Vermont House Bill HCR077

Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/3/25
• Engrossed: 4/4/25
• Passed: 4/4/25

Caption

House concurrent resolution recognizing April 2025 as Fair Housing Month in Vermont

Impact

The recognition of Fair Housing Month serves to remind Vermonters about the importance of inclusive, welcoming, and affordable communities which are critical for promoting diversity and encouraging economic development. The Vermont Human Rights Commission, which enforces the state's Fair Housing Act, has noted an increase in fair housing inquiries and complaints, indicating the ongoing relevance of this issue. This resolution comes at a time when local and federal support for fair housing initiatives is being diminished, making the recognition even more significant.

Summary

HCR077 is a House Concurrent Resolution recognizing April 2025 as Fair Housing Month in Vermont. This resolution aims to highlight the ongoing issues of housing discrimination which have historically affected millions of Americans, particularly regarding race, ethnicity, religion, and disability. With the backdrop of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 and Vermont’s own 1987 Fair Housing Act, this resolution reinforces the state's commitment to ensuring protection from discrimination in housing.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HCR077 is largely positive, reflecting a collective acknowledgment among legislators of the importance of robust fair housing protections. Lawmakers from both parties appear united in their support for the initiative, viewing it as a necessary affirmation of the state's values in combating discrimination. However, the recent statistical increase in fair housing complaints highlights an underlying urgency that accompanies this acknowledgment.

Contention

While the resolution itself does not propose new laws or changes, it serves as a platform to advocate for continued attention to housing discrimination and the need for effective enforcement of existing protections. The noted deprioritization of federal support for fair housing efforts raises concerns among advocates about potential gaps in protections, especially given the increasing housing crisis in Vermont that disproportionately affects individuals in protected classes.