PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) – Low-income housing advocates are pushing for legislation in the Rhode Island General Assembly that would bar discrimination against rental tenants receiving rental-assistance vouchers.
The bill would outlaw discrimination against any potential tenant on the basis of their lawful source of income, including federally funded housing assistance and Social Security.
The Providence Journal reports that Democratic Gov. Gina Raimondo spoke at a Tuesday rally in support of the legislation.
State officials say more than 9,300 Rhode Island residents receive federal rental assistance through Section 8. Currently, 14 states and Washington, D.C. outlaw housing discrimination based on the renter’s source of income.
Advocates also expressed support for legislation that would outlaw discrimination against tenants who have appeared in Housing Court, sealing records for any renter whose case was resolved in their favor.
