Oregon bill to protect tenants from immigration status discrimination advances

SALEM, Ore. (KATU) — A bill that would make it illegal for Oregon landlords to ask about or discriminate based on a tenant's immigration status is one step closer to becoming law.

The legislation would prohibit landlords from rejecting rental applicants due to their immigration or citizenship status. Supporters say this bill safeguards vulnerable renters who may face discrimination or threats of deportation for reporting problems with their living situation.

"This bill is about more than documents, it's about dignity," said Sen. Wlnsvey Campos, a chief sponsor of the bill. "It is about ensuring that every Oregonian has the opportunity to find safe, stable housing without being subjected to fear or discrimination simply because of where they were born."

It would also expand the range of identification documents landlords must accept to verify identity. Landlords must take a Social Security card or evidence of a Social Security number, a birth certificate, a green card, an immigrant or nonimmigrant visa, an individual taxpayer identification number or card, a passport, a driver's license or other government ID, regardless of expiration date.

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If a landlord requires identity verification, they must accept any or a combination of these documents to confirm a person's name, date of birth, and physical appearance.

The bill would also bar landlords from disclosing or threatening to disclose a tenant's immigration status in an attempt to harass or intimidate the renter.

"Like many Oregonians, my parents came here in search of a better life. But growing up, I saw how fear and discrimination could cloud that dream — families afraid to ask for help, worried they’d be judged or turned away because of where they came from or the language they spoke. That fear stays with you. No child should grow up wondering if their family is one step away from losing their home," said Democratic state Rep. Ricki Ruiz.

Violations would carry legal penalties under Oregon's landlord-tenant and civil rights laws. If landlords are found to be violating these provisions, they could face lawsuits or state enforcement actions.

According to Sybil Hebb with the Oregon Law Center, the law is based on an ordinance that has been in place in Portland since 2019. This bill looks to expand that policy statewide.

Hebb said the bill was brought forward in response to expressions of concern from communities across the state.

"The bill will codify best practices already in place with many landlords and reinforce Oregon’s commitment to fair housing practices and equal opportunity for all residents, regardless of status. We worked with landlord associations to get the language right, and they did not oppose the amended bill," said Hebb.

Organizations like Multifamily NW and Oregon Realtors are neutral on the bill. While the organizations recognize the importance of ensuring protections for all Oregonians, both organizations shared some concerns about the level of penalties landlords could face if this bill passes.

In written testimony, Multifamily NW said, "The potential penalties under SB 599 are significant, potentially exceeding $100,000 for a violation. This level of financial risk, even for an unintentional mistake, could create serious consequences for small housing providers and further discourage investment in Oregon’s rental housing market."

Hebb said that fine severity is only available in cases where the Oregon attorney general or BOLI commissioner believes a person or group of persons is engaged in a pattern or practice of resistance to the rights protected by Oregon law.

California, New York, Illinois, and Washington state have signed similar legislation into law already.

Senate Bill 599 is advancing to the House floor for a vote after clearing the House Committee on Judiciary on Thursday. State representatives will soon vote on whether to advance the bill to the governor's desk.

If this bill is signed into law, it would take effect immediately and most provisions would become enforceable within 30 days.