Oregon House Passes Bill to Prohibit Landlords from Discriminating Against Tenants Based on Immigration Status

Strategic Insights -

The Oregon House has passed a bill to prohibit landlords from asking tenants about their immigration status, moving it one step closer to becoming law. The bill, Senate Bill 599, aims to prevent landlords from discriminating against individuals based on the type of identification documents they provide. This legislation is similar to laws in Washington, California, and New York, and would take effect 30 days after being signed into law by Governor Tina Kotek.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Oregon House passed Senate Bill 599 in a 36-15 vote, moving it closer to becoming law.
  • The bill prohibits landlords from asking tenants about their immigration status and from disclosing or threatening to disclose an applicant's or tenant's immigration status.
  • The bill aims to prevent landlords from discriminating against individuals based on the type of identification documents they provide.
  • Oregon was the first state to pass a sanctuary law in 1987, prohibiting state and local law enforcement from helping federal officials to enforce immigration law.
  • The chief bill sponsor, Rep. Ricki Ruiz, stated that the bill is "about more than documents -- it's about dignity" and that housing is a human right.
  • The legislation has garnered support from Governor Tina Kotek, who has repeatedly expressed her commitment to upholding Oregon's sanctuary law.

Statistics:

  • The Oregon House voted 36-15 in favor of Senate Bill 599.
  • The bill has already passed the Senate in a 21-8 vote.
  • Oregon has been a sanctuary state since 1987, with a law prohibiting state and local law enforcement from helping federal officials to enforce immigration law.
  • The bill aims to protect the rights of approximately 350,000 undocumented immigrants living in Oregon, according to the Migration Policy Institute.
  • It would take effect 30 days after being signed into law by the governor.

Sources:

  • "Oregon Capital Chronicle"
  • OLIS (Oregon Legislative Information System)
  • Oregon Capital Chronicle (Mia Maldonado)