HB 2046

Abstract

Virginia Fair Housing Law; unlawful discriminatory housing practices. Prohibits any locality, its employees, or its appointed commissions from discriminating (i) in the application of local land use ordinances or guidelines, or in the permitting of housing developments, on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status, source of funds, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, or disability; (ii) in the permitting of housing developments because the housing development contains or is expected to contain affordable housing units occupied or intended for occupancy by families or individuals with incomes at or below 80 percent of the median income of the area where the housing development is located or is proposed to be located; or (iii) by prohibiting or imposing conditions upon the rental or sale of dwelling units, provided that the provisions of this subsection shall not be construed to prohibit ordinances related to short-term rentals. The bill provides that it shall not be a violation of the Virginia Fair Housing Law if land use decisions or decisions relating to the permitting of housing developments are based upon considerations of limiting high concentrations of affordable housing. The bill also requires the Fair Housing Board, after determining the existence of an unlawful discriminatory housing practice and after consultation with the Attorney General, to immediately refer the matter to the Attorney General for civil action.

Virginia Fair Housing Law; unlawful discriminatoryhousing practices. Prohibits any locality, its employees, orits appointed commissions from discriminating (i) in the applicationof local land use ordinances or guidelines, or in the permittingof housing developments, on the basis of race, color, religion, nationalorigin, sex, elderliness, familial status, or handicap or (ii) inthe permitting of housing developments because the housing developmentcontains or is expected to contain affordable housing units occupiedor intended for occupancy by families or individuals with incomesat or below 80 percent of the median income of the area where thehousing development is located or is proposed to be located. Thebill also requires the Fair Housing Board, after determining theexistence of an unlawful discriminatory housing practice and afterconsultation with the Attorney General, to immediately refer thematter to the Attorney General for civil action.