CA SB1252

Adds "source of income" as a protected class in housing discrimination law, defined as lawful, verifiable income paid directly to a tenant or a tenant's representative (excluding landlords as representatives)

Increases civil penalties for housing discrimination violations: from $10,000 to $16,000 for first violations; from $25,000 to $37,500 for prior violations within 5 years; from $50,000 to $65,000 for 2 or more violations within 7 years

Clarifies that selection preferences based on age imposed in connection with federally approved housing programs do not constitute age discrimination in housing

Establishes that senior citizen housing developments constructed on or after January 1, 2001 are presumed to meet physical and social needs of seniors if they include specified accessibility and social features (wheelchair accessibility, railings, lighting, elevators/ramps, common areas, and refuse collection)

Specifies that discriminatory intent or effect based on source of income constitutes proof of a violation, applying the same standards as other protected classes in housing discrimination cases