PERRY FILES BILL TO PROTECT BUSINESS OWNERS FROM INTRUSIVE HUD MANDATES
LUBBOCK, TX – Today, Senator Charles Perry filed SB 267 to ensure businesses have the freedom to choose whether or not to accept Federal Housing Vouchers as a form of payment for rent.
Currently, 11 states and more than 30 jurisdictions have passed regulations requiring businesses to accept government housing vouchers as a form of payment for rent. These ordinances are passed under the guise of anti-discrimination but in reality force local businesses to accept one-sided lease contracts with numerous strings attached.
“Accepting federal housing vouchers was never intended to be mandatory,” said Senator Charles Perry. “Businesses should not be forced to partner with a governmental agency that significantly impacts its flexibility and day-to-day operations.”
Contracts drafted by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) can be terminated without penalty. HUD can withhold rent, inspect apartments, control rent increases and mandate utility allowances. Additionally, sequesters can result in decreased or delayed payments of rent.
“There is a push in Texas to implement these Obama-style policies in many of our cities,”
continued Perry. “The legislature needs to be proactive and protect Texas businesses before these ordinances become a significant problem for our growing state.”
If you have any questions or comments about this bill or any of Senator Perry’s legislative agenda, please feel free to contact Travis McCormick at 512-463-0128 orTravis.McCormick@senate.state.tx.us.
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