SB 127 Summary

• Prohibits discrimination based on lawful source of income in rental transactions and housing advertisements, including refusing to rent or discriminating in rental terms because of a tenant's income source.

• Defines "source of income" to include lawful professions, government or private assistance programs (including Section 8 housing vouchers), gifts, inheritance, pensions, and child support.

• Voids all restrictive covenants and conditions in rental agreements that forbid or limit occupancy based on source of income.

• Allows landlords to verify income source and evaluate a tenant's ability to pay rent in a commercially reasonable manner without violating the law.

• Permits civil actions in district court for violations, with penalties up to $500, injunctive relief, and attorney's fees; designates the Office of Consumer Protection or Hawaii Civil Rights Commission to investigate complaints.