Bill > A08913

This bill prohibits discrimination based on housing status by amending various sections of New York state law to explicitly include "housing status" as a protected characteristic across multiple domains, including employment, housing, education, credit, and public accommodations. The bill defines "housing status" comprehensively as circumstances where an individual or family lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, including living in places not designed for sleeping (like cars, streets, or public spaces), staying in shelters, domestic violence programs, or temporary housing arrangements. The legislative findings emphasize that people experiencing homelessness often face significant prejudice that limits their access to basic necessities and can lead to hostility and violence. By adding housing status to existing anti-discrimination statutes, the bill aims to ensure that individuals cannot be legally denied opportunities in employment, housing, education, or other areas solely because of their current living situation, thereby protecting some of the most vulnerable members of society from systemic discrimination and providing them with legal recourse if they experience unfair treatment.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A8913