Sponsors (47)
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Adds survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and severe forms of trafficking in persons to the list of protected classes under the federal Fair Housing Act and to related anti‑intimidation provisions in Title IX. The bill creates statutory definitions for key terms (for example, "domestic violence," "sexual assault," "severe forms of trafficking in persons," "coercion," and "survivor") by cross‑referencing existing federal definitions and extending coverage to threatened acts and perceived victims. The measure makes it unlawful to refuse housing, take adverse actions, or apply discriminatory policies because a person is a survivor, and it expressly allows federal, state, or local assistance or preference programs to be designed to help survivors obtain or keep housing. It also confirms that survivors retain other discrimination claims (for example, based on gender stereotypes) under the Fair Housing Act.
The bill strengthens and clarifies federal housing and anti‑intimidation protections for survivors and enables program prioritization, improving access to housing for survivors, but it may raise costs and legal uncertainty for housing providers and shift limited housing resources unless paired with funding and implementation safeguards.
Survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, or trafficking gain explicit federal protection from housing discrimination, improving access to rentals and home sales.
Federal, state, and local housing or assistance programs may prioritize survivors, making it easier for survivors to receive housing help, shelter placement, or expedited assistance.
Survivors receive extended anti-intimidation and anti-retaliation protections under Title IX-related provisions, reducing harassment or retaliation tied to survivor status in covered settings.
Housing providers may incur new compliance costs or face increased litigation risk for actions perceived to disadvantage survivors, which could be passed on to renters and raise housing costs.
Broader definitions (including perceived victims and threatened acts) could increase disputes over survivor status, creating uncertainty and more litigation for landlords, courts, and local governments.
Giving preference to survivors in assistance programs could shift limited housing resources away from other disadvantaged groups unless additional funding is provided.
Introduced March 5, 2026 by Debbie Wasserman Schultz · Last progress March 5, 2026