Hunter
03/19/21
The United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development told MSNBC Wednesday that they’ll take the State of Iowa to court if they pass a restrictive housing bill sitting on Governor Kim Reynolds’ desk.
Currently, cities counties and municipalities have the power to ban landlords from discriminating against tenants based on their use of federal housing assistance. The new bill, which passed through both the House and Senate this week, would prevent them from doing so.
KCCI TV reports that those in favor of the bill say landlords shouldn’t have to be forced to accept those tenants, arguing that some can’t deal with all the paperwork involved. Those against it say it would reduce housing choices for vulnerable Iowans and is discriminatory.
The station says Iowa City, Marion and Des Moines have ordinances protecting those who get federal housing assistance. The Governor hasn’t indicated where she stands on the legislation.