Bill > LD1036

This bill amends Maine state law to explicitly protect individuals who receive public assistance from housing discrimination. The bill adds "status as a recipient of federal, state or local public assistance" as a protected category in housing-related transactions, making it illegal for owners, real estate agents, landlords, and financial institutions to discriminate against someone because they receive public assistance. The definition of public assistance includes various forms of income support such as medical assistance and housing subsidies, and covers the requirements an individual must meet to use that income. Specifically, the bill prohibits actions like refusing to show or rent housing, making discriminatory statements or advertisements, setting different rental terms, or denying financial assistance based on an individual's receipt of public assistance. By adding this protection, the bill aims to ensure that people who rely on public assistance have equal access to housing opportunities and are not unfairly disadvantaged in the housing market. The legislation effectively expands existing anti-discrimination protections to include a new protected class of individuals receiving public financial support.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1036&snum=132