HB 415 Summary

• Creates Chapter 45A of Title 6 establishing anti-discrimination protections for individuals experiencing homelessness, with enforcement through the State Human and Civil Rights Commission and Division of Human and Civil Rights.

• Grants individuals experiencing homelessness specific rights including free movement in public spaces, non-discrimination in housing and shelter access, medical care access, privacy protections, and ability to occupy legally parked vehicles without discrimination based on housing status.

• Establishes complaint procedure requiring aggrieved individuals to file within 90 days, followed by Division investigation and conciliation attempts, with unresolved cases referred to a Commission panel for public hearing and potential civil penalties up to $1,000-$15,000 per violation.

• References law enforcement complaints to applicable Internal Affairs departments rather than pursuing standard Commission procedures, and requires annual Commission reporting of organizations with three or more substantiated violations within 12 months.

• Adds Chapter 45A to the Commission's duties under Title 31 and directs civil penalties collected under the chapter to the Special Administration Fund for litigation costs and investigations.