Bill > S1621

This bill aims to restore fair housing protections that were allegedly eliminated during the Trump administration by establishing several key provisions. The bill begins by outlining findings that suggest the previous administration undermined fair housing protections, including halting enforcement of the Equal Access Rule for homeless shelters, stopping efforts to affirmatively further fair housing, and potentially reducing HUD staff. It provides comprehensive definitions of "covered housing" that include numerous federal housing assistance programs and establishes a clear mission for the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all. The bill requires HUD to repeal previous rules that weakened fair housing protections and redefine "affirmatively furthering fair housing" to mean taking meaningful actions that overcome segregation, address housing disparities, and foster integrated communities. Additionally, the bill mandates the creation of a publicly accessible database tracking fair housing complaints, including details like complaint numbers, protected classes, complaint statuses, and resolution information. The bill also requires HUD to submit a report to Congress analyzing digital platform discrimination in housing, examining how artificial intelligence might be used to perpetuate housing discrimination, and proposing steps to address these potential issues.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1621/all-info