OHIO LEGISLATIVE SERVICE COMMISSION
Office of Research Legislative Budget
www.lsc.ohio.gov and Drafting Office
H.B. 150 Bill Analysis
135th General Assembly
Click here for H.B. 150's Fiscal Note
Version: As Introduced
Primary Sponsors: Reps. Upchurch and A. Miller
Effective Date:
Abby Gerty, LSC Fellow
SUMMARY
 Prohibits discrimination in rental housing based on a tenant's or prospective tenant's
lawful source of income, including housing assistance and public benefits.
DETAILED ANALYSIS
The bill adds provisions to Ohio's Fair Housing Law that prohibit landlords from taking
certain actions based on a tenant's or prospective tenant's source of income.
Lawful source of income
The bill defines "lawful source of income" and verifiable source of money, paid directly
or indirectly to the tenant or prospective tenant, including (1) income derived from a profession
or occupation, (2) assistance through private grant or loan programs, and (3) payments,
benefits, or subsidies from government programs.
All of the following government payments, benefits, and subsidies expressly qualify as a
"lawful source of income" under the bill: federal low-income housing assistance, the Ohio
Works First Program, grants and loans administered by the Ohio Housing Finance Agency,
Medicaid, veterans benefits, benefits under the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance
Program (SNAP) administered by the Department of Job and Family Services, the special SNAP
program for women, infants, and children administered by the Department of Health, and
Social Security.1
Prohibited actions
The bill prohibits landlords from taking any of the following actions based on a tenant's
or prospective tenant's lawful source of income:
1 R.C. 4112.01(A)(26).
May 5, 2023
Office of Research and Drafting LSC Legislative Budget Office
 Refusing to rent or lease housing accommodations;
 Refusing use of common areas and facilities in housing accommodations;
 Serving a notice of termination of tenancy;
 Commencing an eviction action on grounds not authorized by law;
 Representing that housing accommodations are not available for inspection or rental
when they are, in fact, available;
 Requiring different terms for inspection or rental of housing accommodations;
 Making, printing, or publishing any advertisements, statements, applications, or
contracts indicating a preference, limitation, or discrimination;
 Otherwise denying or withholding housing accommodations.2
Under continuing law, a violation of the Fair Housing Law can be enforced by either the
Ohio Civil Rights Commission or a private a civil action and result in the imposition of a civil
penalty or an award of damages, injunctive relief, or any other appropriate relief.3
HISTORY
Action Date
Introduced 04-04-23
ANHB0150IN-135/ar
2 R.C. 4112.02(H)(23) through (25).
3 R.C. 4112.05, 4112.051, 4112.052, and 4112.99, not in the bill.
P a g e |2 H.B. 150
As Introduced


Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 4112.01, 4112.02