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H 169

An act relating to amending the prohibitions against discrimination in public accommodations and housing

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Angela Arsenault and 42 co-sponsors

H 169 - An Act Relating to Amending Prohibitions Against Discrimination OverviewBill Number: H 169 Title: An act relating to amending the prohibitions against discrimination in pu

Read first time and referred to the Committee on General and Housing
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Bill Summary · H 169

H 169 - An Act Relating to Amending Prohibitions Against Discrimination

Overview

Bill Number: H 169
Title: An act relating to amending the prohibitions against discrimination in public accommodations and housing
Status: Read first time and referred to the Committee on General and Housing
Introduced: February 07, 2025

Purpose and Intent

The primary goal of this bill is to expand and strengthen legal protections against discrimination in public accommodations and housing. The legislation aims to address persistent inequities and ensure equal access and opportunity for all individuals, regardless of their personal characteristics or identity.

Key Provisions

  • Adds "gender identity or expression" and "immigration or citizenship status" as protected characteristics under state anti-discrimination laws
  • Prohibits discrimination in public accommodations, such as restaurants, stores, and transportation services, based on these new protected classes
  • Extends fair housing protections to prohibit discrimination in the rental, sale, or financing of residential properties based on gender identity, expression, and immigration/citizenship status
  • Empowers the state's civil rights commission to investigate complaints, issue cease and desist orders, and levy fines against violators
  • Allows individuals to seek private civil action and damages for discriminatory practices

Affected Parties and Impacts

This bill would directly impact individuals who identify as transgender, non-binary, or have uncertain immigration status, as they would gain new legal protections against discrimination in their daily lives and housing. Businesses, landlords, and housing providers would need to review and update their policies and practices to ensure compliance.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

H 169 was recently introduced in the state legislature and has been referred to the Committee on General and Housing for initial consideration. If approved by the committee, the bill would then proceed to a full floor vote in the House. Given the controversial nature of the proposed changes, the legislation may face opposition and a lengthy debate process before potentially advancing to the Senate. The timeline for final passage and enactment remains uncertain at this early stage.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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