The proposed bill, known as the "Tenants Right to Organize Act," aims to establish and protect the rights of tenants to form and participate in tenant unions. It defines key terms such as "common area," "landlord," "rental agreement," "rental unit," "tenant," "tenant organizer," and "tenant union." The bill grants tenants the right to organize, allowing them to engage in various activities such as distributing literature, convening meetings, and formulating responses to landlord actions. It also permits tenant organizers to assist in these efforts and outlines the conditions under which they can canvass in multifamily rental premises.
Additionally, the bill prohibits landlords from interfering with tenants' rights, threatening or retaliating against tenants for exercising their rights, and delaying investigations of violations. Violations by landlords can result in civil fines, injunctive orders, and the possibility for tenants or tenant organizers to bring legal action. The bill includes a severability clause, ensuring that if any part of the act is found invalid, the remaining provisions will still be enforceable.