MS HB1218

Creates the "Mississippi Fair Housing Act" declaring that obtaining housing without discrimination based on religion, race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or familial status is a civil right

Prohibits real estate brokers, salespersons, and those engaged in real estate transactions from refusing to sell, rent, or negotiate, or discriminating in terms and conditions based on protected characteristics

Bans discrimination in real estate financing, including mortgage applications, based on protected characteristics of applicants or persons residing with them

Exempts owner-occupied duplexes and single-family homes where the owner rents rooms, as well as temporary rentals by owners who lived in the property for at least 3 months

Allows persons alleging violations to bring civil actions in circuit court seeking injunctive relief, damages, and reasonable attorney's fees, with effective date of July 1, 2021