S.B. 909 Summary

• Adds "source of income" as a protected class under Hawaii's fair housing laws, prohibiting discrimination based on lawful sources of money including employment, government assistance programs (such as Section 8 housing vouchers), gifts, inheritances, pensions, and other lawful income sources.

• Prohibits landlords and real estate professionals from refusing to rent, discriminating in terms of rental, or advertising "no Section 8" or similar restrictions that discourage applications based on the applicant's source of income.

• Allows property owners to verify income sources and evaluate financial stability, creditworthiness, and ability to pay rent in a commercially reasonable manner without violating the new protections.

• Applies the source of income protection to real estate transactions, financial assistance, blockbusting practices, and other discriminatory practices covered under Hawaii's fair housing statutes.

• Effective date: July 1, 2050.