Bill > S09719

This bill establishes new legal recourse for individuals who are denied a rental property because of their past involvement in landlord-tenant disputes, such as eviction proceedings, which are referred to as "summary proceedings" in legal terms. Specifically, it allows any potential tenant harmed by such a discriminatory refusal to rent to file a lawsuit in the supreme court seeking immediate and long-term court orders to stop the practice (injunctive relief) and to recover financial compensation for damages, plus the costs of the lawsuit, including attorney fees. Such an action can be brought within two years of when the violation was reasonably discovered and can be filed against the landlord, their representatives, or anyone else responsible for leasing the property, regardless of whether the violation was reported to the Attorney General, who can still pursue their own action for penalties and injunctions.