COUNTY COUNCIL ADOPTS FAIR HOUSING ACT TO BAN SOURCE OF INCOME, IMMIGRATION STATUS AND CITIZENSHIP STATUS IN HOUSING
County’s Fair Housing Act Updated with Additions to Protected Housing Categories
The Prince George’s County Council voted unanimously on Tuesday, November 19, 2019, to adopt Council Bill 38-2019, a Fair Housing Act establishing Prince George’s County’s policy of ensuring equal opportunity and eliminating discrimination in all housing accommodations.
The Fair Housing Act, proposed by Council Member Dannielle Glaros (D) – District 3, and Council Member Deni Taveras (D) – District 2, amends the County’s existing law to prohibit discrimination in housing based on proof of immigration or citizenship status; a required screening process that forces a buyer to reveal citizenship status without providing a reasonable alternative option; or source of income.
Council Member Glaros comments, “I appreciate the work and support of the Prince George’s Human Relations Commission, the County’s civil and human rights education and enforcement agency charged with ensuring equity and inclusion Prince George’s County residents. I am also grateful to the Housing Initiative (HIP) Partnership and CASA, for urging passage of this important and timely legislation.”
CB-038-2019 also updated language in the County Code related to persons with disabilities. Council Member Glaros thanks Independence Now for its advocacy for this update, and looks forward to updating this language throughout the division, next year.
Through her work as Chair of the Council’s Planning, Housing, and Economic Development Committee and as co-chair of the Prince George’s County Housing Opportunity for All Workgroup, Council Member Glaros maintains a focus on the County’s housing policy. The Housing Opportunities for All Workgroup, established by Council Resolution 16-2019, is charged with assisting the County with setting priorities and implementing the Comprehensive Housing Strategy Report, entitled "Housing Opportunity for All" for Prince George’s County. Learn more about the Housing Opportunities for All Workgroup.
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