RELATING TO HOUSING DISCRIMINATION.

SB 44 allows counties to ban housing discrimination against renters based on their source of income, such as government benefits (e.g., Social Security, welfare). It directly affects renters who rely on non-traditional income sources, preventing landlords from refusing to rent to them solely because of how they earn money. The key mechanism gives counties the authority to enact local policies prohibiting this specific form of discrimination. This bill would change local housing rules to ensure fair access for renters using public assistance or other non-wage income.