December 30, 2024
LANSING, MI -- Gloria Lara, Chair of the Michigan Civil Rights Commission (MCRC), today issued a statement in response to Governor Whitmer signing Senate Bills 205, 206, and 207 into law -- legislation designed to prevent landlords from denying a tenant housing based on their source of income. The new law is expected to reduce homelessness and housing insecurity by removing a common barrier to finding safe and affordable housing in Michigan. The bills were sponsored by state Senators Mary Cavanagh (D-Redford Township), Rosemary Bayer (D-West Bloomfield), and Jeff Irwin (D-Ann Arbor).
“Home addresses often serve as the most critical turning point in life outcomes,” said Chair Lara. “During our recent fair housing hearings, we heard story after story about how housing discrimination based on source of income harms Michigan residents. I am proud that our state now protects residents from being denied a place to live because of where they get their funding.”
At the MCRC meeting held in Alpena on October 21, 2024, Commissioners passed a resolution “…in support of legislation prohibiting income discrimination in housing.”
In a series of public hearings held on housing discrimination in late 2023 and early 2024, the Commission heard from a number of people on the impact of source of income discrimination and the need for legislation protecting renters who are seeking a place to live. The hearings helped frame discussions on fair housing, including source of income discrimination, at the 2024 Civil Rights Summit held in June. Based on testimony at the hearings and Summit dialogue, the Michigan Department of Civil Rights has issued a report detailing recommendations for securing fair housing for Michigan residents.
The Michigan Civil Rights Commission was created by the Michigan Constitution to safeguard constitutional and legal guarantees against discrimination. The Commission is charged with investigating alleged discrimination against any person because of religion, race (including hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, national origin, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, familial status, height, weight, arrest record, and disability. The Michigan Department of Civil Rights serves as the operational arm of the Commission.
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