MS HB29

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

Prohibits discrimination in real estate transactions and financing by brokers, salespersons, and lenders based on protected characteristics, including refusing transactions, discriminatory terms, withholding property information, and discriminatory advertising.

Voids any conditions, restrictions, or covenants on real property that limit use or occupancy based on protected characteristics, with an exception for religious organizations limiting occupancy to members of their faith.

Prohibits steering (misrepresenting property availability or neighborhood composition), retaliation against those opposing discriminatory practices, and coercion of employees or agents to participate in discrimination.

Allows persons alleging violations to bring civil actions in circuit court seeking injunctive relief and damages including reasonable attorney's fees; court may award costs and attorney's fees to prevailing parties; effective July 1, 2025.