General Assembly Raised Bill No. 7209 seeks to enhance legal protections for individuals facing housing discrimination and unfair practices in the rental market. The bill empowers the Attorney General to investigate and take action against practices that infringe on individuals' rights, allowing for the issuance of subpoenas, information gathering, and the pursuit of civil penalties for violations. It also clarifies that the Attorney General cannot pursue actions barred by statutes of limitations or those already under review by the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities. Additionally, the bill introduces new definitions, such as "nonpublic competitor data," and establishes that the use of algorithmic devices to set rental prices is unlawful, classifying violations as unfair or deceptive trade practices.

Moreover, the bill modifies existing statutes regarding the burden of proof in appeals related to affordable housing decisions, requiring the commission to demonstrate that its decisions are supported by sufficient evidence and necessary to protect substantial public interests. If the commission fails to meet this burden, courts may revise or reverse its decisions. The proposed amendments, effective October 1, 2025, aim to align with affordable housing program guidelines and ensure protections against discriminatory practices and improper denials of affordable housing applications, ultimately fostering a fairer rental market for tenants.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 3-129g