Bill Introduced Expands Definition of “Individuals Experiencing Homelessness”

State Representative Sean Lynn is sponsoring a bill that amends House Bill 55 regarding homelessness. According to the description, “This Act is the Bill of Rights for Individuals Experiencing Homelessness to ensure that all individuals, regardless of housing status, have equal opportunity to live in decent, safe, sanitary, and healthful accommodations and enjoy equality of opportunities.” The Act creates a process by which the State Human and Civil Rights Commission and the Division of Human Relations may accept and investigate complaints of discriminatory treatment, attempt conciliation, and refer enforcement actions to the Department of Justice where necessary.
This bill–House Substitute 1 for House Bill 55– expands the definition of “individuals experiencing homelessness” to include those who may be staying with different friends or family without a permanent home, and it eliminates a reference to voting rights, since such rights are addressed elsewhere in the Code.
The Committee Hearing on the Substitute takes place within twelve legislative days.