Bill > S1059

This bill amends existing law to prohibit local and state government entities from engaging in discriminatory land use and permitting decisions. Specifically, it makes it unlawful to discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, familial status, or the presence of affordable housing units for individuals or families earning below 80% of the area median income. The bill clarifies that a local government is considered to be participating in discrimination if its decision or inaction regarding land use or development permits was motivated, even partially, by the inclusion of such affordable housing. However, it provides exceptions, stating that decisions made to prevent unreasonably high concentrations of affordable housing are not violations, nor are actions that have an unintended discriminatory effect if the government entity can prove the action was motivated and justified by a legitimate, bona fide governmental interest.