02-04-2025
Housing advocates rally as Vermont lawmakers debate anti-discrimination bill
MONTPELIER, Vt. (ABC22 FOX44) – People who support a bill allowing immigrant families housing access rallied at the statehouse this morning. The House of Representatives also heard testimony on the bill Tuesday afternoon.
'Vermont policy makers can and should take all available measures to protect the dignity, wellness, safety and wellbeing of immigrants living in our state while simultaneously strengthening consumer protections for all Vermonters,' said Alex Karambelas, an ACLU Vermont Policy Advocate.
House Bill 169 would prohibit landlords from requesting social security numbers during the application process, instead requiring them to accept any form of government issued ID. In addition, landlords would also be prevented from charging application fees. Existing discrimination policies would also be expanded to include citizenship and immigration status.
'Not having a social security number is treated like a scarlet letter, wherever we go, whenever we try to find housing we're denied,' said Will Lambek who translated for Olga Cruz, a community leader with Migrant Justice.
Lambek, who interpreted for English and Spanish speakers, tells me a paired down version of the bill— which does not prevent landlords from asking for social security or include immigration status as protected class in the Fair Housing Act— was passed in the Senate before moving to the House.
'We think there's some confusion and misinformation about the bill that it would prevent landlords from conducting background checks or credit checks on applicants, when in fact that's not the case,' he said.
The bill, as introduced, had more than 35 legislative sponsors. Representative Leonora Dodge, who has been leading the charge, says she hopes lawmakers will consider the bill the original language.
'When Migrant Justice says we are in need of legislation, this body needs to listen. This house needs to listen,' she said.
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