Texas Senate Bill SB570

Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

• Filed: 1/24/23

Caption

Relating to the prohibition of housing discrimination on the basis of a person's source of income and to the enforcement of that prohibition.

Impact

If enacted, SB570 would amend existing laws to include source of income as a protected category against discrimination in housing transactions. This change is expected to significantly impact how landlords and property owners conduct their business, ensuring they cannot refuse rental agreements or discriminate against tenants based on their income types, including public assistance programs. This aligns the Texas housing regulations closer to federal fair housing principles, aiming to create a more inclusive housing market.

Summary

Senate Bill 570, introduced by Senators West and Blanco, aims to prohibit housing discrimination based on a person's source of income. The bill explicitly defines 'source of income' to include federal housing assistance programs such as housing choice vouchers. By amending various sections of the Texas Property Code, SB570 seeks to enforce equality in housing access and eliminate barriers that marginalized populations might face when seeking housing based on their income support.

Sentiment

The reception of SB570 has been primarily supportive among advocacy groups promoting fair housing and social equity. Proponents argue that by ensuring housing access for individuals receiving government aid or assistance, the bill can help combat poverty and homelessness. However, there is criticism from some landlord and real estate groups who view the legislation as an additional regulatory burden that may complicate leasing processes and impact their ability to make business decisions freely. This indicates a divide in sentiment between social equity advocates and the real estate sector.

Contention

A notable point of contention surrounding SB570 revolves around its potential impact on landlords who may feel that the legislation limits their rights to select tenants based on a broader set of criteria. Concerns have been raised regarding the enforcement of the new regulations and how complaints of discrimination will be handled. This highlights the ongoing debate about balancing the need for fair housing legislation against the rights of property owners to manage their properties as they see fit.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Property Code

• Chapter 301. Texas Fair Housing Act
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: 021
  • Section: 022
  • Section: 023
  • Section: 024
  • Section: 027
  • Section: 042
  • Section: 068
  • Section: 171

Local Government Code

• Chapter 250. Miscellaneous Regulatory Authority
  • Section: 007