On August 16, 2017 HB 4872 was introduced into the Michigan House of Representatives.
The Bill amend the “Elliott-Larsen civil rights act,” and would provide that veterans are included in the list of those protected by Michigan law against housing discrimination.
The Bill would define Military Service as:
“STATUS OF BEING AN ACTIVE DUTY MEMBER OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE UNITED STATES OR A VETERAN WHO RECEIVED AN HONORABLE OR GENERAL
ADMINISTRATIVE DISCHARGE FROM ACTIVE DUTY WITH THE ARMED FORCES OF THE UNITED STATES.”
The Bill brings two thoughts to mind:
- Our Veterans and those who served our country deserve to be treated fairly in housing and all other areas of life.
- This Bill brings up a fundamental question: are Veterans being discriminated against in housing? Does it happen?
According to statistics recently published in the Bridge with insight from Dennis Van Kampen of Mel Trotter Ministries, there are fewer homeless veterans than ever in Michigan today, but more homeless youth.
The Bill was sent to the committee on Military and Veteran Affairs. I will be tracking this bill.
I look forward to hear comments from the public on this issue: are we in Michigan protecting our Veterans access to fair housing?
Questions? Comments?
email: Jeshua@dwlawpc.com
Twitter: @JeshuaTLauka
Purpose Driven General Counsel 