The Kentucky Senate has passed its version of a bill on rent-related modifications when it comes to the payment source. The Senate action came one day after a similar vote in the Kentucky House.
Paris GOP Senator Steve West started his remarks by saying SB25 deals with protection of property rights. He told colleagues the measure says landlords can’t be forced to accept section eight vouchers and no local ordinances can be enacted in conflict with current state eviction law. West said it would ensure state law pre-empts local law.
“I wanted to expressly pre-empt any efforts in these two key areas. And the primary reason is the negative effect on the real estate market and the negative effect on our landlords,” said West.
Democratic Senators from Louisville and Lexington spoke out against the legislation, saying it could impact source of income discrimination bans. Louisville already has such an ordinance and a Lexington committee this week approved a measure requiring landlords to consider vouchers among other payment sources.