Bill H.169 aims to enhance protections against discrimination in residential rental applications and public accommodations in Vermont. It prohibits landlords from requesting a Social Security number during the application process and mandates that they accept any form of government-issued identification. Additionally, the bill 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 these factors cannot be used to deny access to housing or public accommodations.

The bill amends several sections of Vermont law to incorporate these changes, specifically adding citizenship and immigration status to the definitions of harassment and discrimination in public accommodations and housing practices. It clarifies that while discrimination based on these statuses is prohibited, verification of immigration status is permissible if required by federal law. The provisions of the bill are set to take effect upon passage, reflecting a commitment to fostering equitable access to housing and public services for all individuals, regardless of their citizenship or immigration status.

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