A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT directing the north carolina human relations commission to study issues related to the state fair housing act and to report to the general assembly.
Whereas, the North Carolina Fair Housing Act makes it unlawful to discriminate against a person in a real estate transaction based upon the person's race, color, religion, sex, national origin, handicapping condition, or familial status; and
Whereas, the North Carolina Human Relations Commission is charged with the investigation of complaints alleging violations of the Fair Housing Act; and
Whereas, some individuals must rely upon income derived from public sources in order to obtain and pay for housing; and
Whereas, a person's lawful source of income is not currently protected under the Fair Housing Act; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  The North Carolina Human Relations Commission ("Commission") shall study whether the State Fair Housing Act should be amended to make it an unlawful discriminatory housing practice to refuse to enter into a residential real estate transaction with a person based upon the fact that the person receives public assistance due to age or physical or mental disability. In studying this issue, the Commission shall review the laws of other states related to housing discrimination and determine the extent to which certain forms of public assistance are protected under those laws. While conducting the study, the Commission shall consult with representatives from the residential real estate and residential rental community. The Commission shall report its findings and any recommendations to the 2006 Regular Session of the 2005 General Assembly.
SECTION 2.  This act is effective when it becomes law.