Bill H.169 aims to enhance protections against discrimination in residential rental applications and public accommodations in Vermont. The bill prohibits landlords from requesting a Social Security number on rental applications and mandates that they accept any form of government-issued identification. Additionally, it eliminates the ability for landlords to charge application fees for residential rentals. The bill also expands the existing discrimination prohibitions to include citizenship and immigration status, ensuring that individuals cannot be denied housing or public accommodations based on these factors.

The bill amends several sections of Vermont law, specifically 9 V.S.A. 4456a, 4501, 4502, and 4503, to incorporate these changes. Notably, it adds citizenship and immigration status to the definitions of harassment and discrimination in public accommodations and housing practices. Furthermore, it clarifies that while discrimination based on immigration status is prohibited, verification of immigration status is permissible if required by federal law. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 9-4456a, 9-4501, 9-4502, 9-4503