Bill > S4006

This bill, titled the "Fair Housing for Survivors Act of 2026," aims to protect individuals who have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, or sex trafficking by amending the Fair Housing Act, which is a federal law prohibiting discrimination in housing. The bill defines "domestic violence" and "sexual assault" by referencing existing definitions from the Violence Against Women Act of 1994, and also includes threatened forms of these acts, as well as dating violence and stalking. It also incorporates definitions for "severe forms of trafficking in persons" and "coercion" from the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000. Crucially, the bill adds "survivor of domestic violence, sexual assault, or severe forms of trafficking in persons" as a protected class under the Fair Housing Act, meaning landlords and housing providers cannot discriminate against individuals based on their status as a survivor. This protection extends to prohibiting discrimination in the sale, rental, or financing of housing, as well as in advertising and other housing-related transactions. Furthermore, the bill clarifies that existing or new programs designed to assist survivors in securing housing are permissible, and it strengthens protections against intimidation and coercion in housing cases related to these experiences. Importantly, the bill ensures that survivors can still pursue claims for other forms of discrimination under the Fair Housing Act, such as those based on gender stereotypes.