Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SR154

Introduced
3/11/22  
Refer
3/16/22  
Report Pass
4/1/22  

Caption

Requesting The Governor To Order Executive Agencies To Review And Revise Their Policies And Rules To Prohibit Discrimination In Rental Transactions And Advertisements For Rental Transactions Based On Source Of Income Or Participation In Housing Assistance Programs.

Impact

This resolution is intended to enhance access to affordable housing for low-income individuals, particularly in the wake of challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic that have caused job losses and increased housing instability. By eliminating practices that allow landlords to refuse applicants based on their income source, it aims to improve housing equity and ensure that vulnerable populations, such as single mothers and those relying on housing assistance, have better access to housing opportunities. Current studies indicated a notable improvement in housing finding success when such discrimination is prohibited.

Summary

Senate Resolution 154 requests the Governor of Hawaii to order executive agencies to review and amend their policies and rules to prohibit discrimination in rental transactions and advertising based on an applicant's source of income, including participation in housing assistance programs like the federal Housing Choice Voucher program. It highlights the gaps in current state laws and acknowledges that many landlords can still deny rental applications from individuals using these vouchers due to lack of clear prohibitions against such practices. The resolution identifies Honolulu as a notable example of a major U.S. city without protections against source of income discrimination.

Contention

While the resolution encourages progress towards equitable housing practices, it may face challenges based on differing views about government intervention in rental markets. Supporters argue that enforcing these changes can alleviate discrimination against economically disadvantaged individuals and promote fair access to housing. However, opponents may voice concerns about how such regulations could impact landlord rights and their ability to make business decisions, ultimately leading to a debate around the balance between protecting tenants' rights and maintaining a free rental market.

Companion Bills

HI SCR162

Same As Requesting The Governor To Order Executive Agencies To Review And Revise Their Policies And Rules To Prohibit Discrimination In Rental Transactions And Advertisements For Rental Transactions Based On Source Of Income Or Participation In Housing Assistance Programs.

Previously Filed As

HI SR9

Requesting The Hawaii Public Housing Authority To Utilize The State's Rental Supplement Program To Provide Homeowners Insurance Premium Assistance To Housing Owners Who Rent Or Lease To Qualified Kupuna A Mortgage Property Within Designated Lava Zones.

HI SR176

Declaring That Bullying Is A Matter Of Statewide Concern; Requesting The Department Of Education To Update Its Rules And Policies To Address Bullying; And Requesting The Hawaii State Council On Developmental Disabilities To Convene A Task Force To Address The Bullying Of Disabled Children.

HI SR31

Urging The Hawaii Housing Finance And Development Corporation To Amend The Priority For Which Low-income Housing Tax Credits Are Allocated And Moneys In The Rental Housing Revolving Fund Are Used And To Adopt Certain Administrative Rules That Incentivize The Development Of Affordable Housing In The State.

HI SR45

Urging The Hawaii Housing Finance And Development Corporation To Adopt Administrative Rules To Prohibit Rental Housing Revolving Fund Loan Forgiveness Unless The Corporation Repossesses The Project.

HI SCR200

Declaring That Bullying Is A Matter Of Statewide Concern; Requesting The Department Of Education To Update Its Rules And Policies To Address Bullying; And Requesting The Hawaii State Council On Developmental Disabilities To Convene A Task Force To Address The Bullying Of Disabled Children.

HI SR47

Urging The Hawaii Housing Finance And Development Corporation To Adopt Administrative Rules To Create A Process Under Section 201h-38, Hawaii Revised Statutes, For Housing Projects Exclusively For Sale Or Rent To Qualified Residents As Defined In Section 201h-32, Hawaii Revised Statutes, Who Are Deemed To Be Moderate-income Households.

HI SCR17

Requesting The Hawaii Public Housing Authority To Utilize The State's Rental Supplement Program To Provide Homeowners Insurance Premium Assistance To Housing Owners Who Rent Or Lease To Qualified Kupuna A Mortgage Property Within Designated Lava Zones.

HI SCR43

Urging The Hawaii Housing Finance And Development Corporation To Amend The Priority For Which Low-income Housing Tax Credits Are Allocated And Monies In The Rental Housing Revolving Fund Are Used And Adopt Certain Administrative Rules That Incentivize The Development Of Affordable Housing In The State.

HI SB2073

Relating To Housing Discrimination.

HI SB327

Relating To Housing Discrimination.

Similar Bills

HI SB206

Relating To Rental Discrimination.

HI SB36

Relating To Rental Discrimination.

HI HB1390

Relating To Rental Discrimination.

HI SCR162

Requesting The Governor To Order Executive Agencies To Review And Revise Their Policies And Rules To Prohibit Discrimination In Rental Transactions And Advertisements For Rental Transactions Based On Source Of Income Or Participation In Housing Assistance Programs.

HI SB2399

Relating To Rental Discrimination.

HI HB981

Relating To Rental Discrimination.

HI SB1135

Relating To Rental Discrimination.

HI SB2314

Relating To Rental Discrimination.