A bill to establish the rights of tenants to organize tenant unions; to prohibit certain conduct; to provide remedies and prescribe penalties; and to provide for the powers and duties of certain state and local governmental officers and entities.
Senate Bill No. 900 is designed to establish and protect the rights of tenants to organize into tenant unions. The bill provides clear definitions for terms such as "tenant," "tenant organizer," "tenant union," "landlord," "rental agreement," "rental unit," and "common area." It grants tenants the right to self-organize, distribute and post literature, hold meetings, and engage in activities for mutual aid and protection within their rental premises. Tenant unions are also allowed to propose modifications to rental premises, collect dues, and have discussions with landlords through chosen representatives.
The bill outlines the role of tenant organizers, who assist in the formation and operation of tenant unions without being affiliated with landlords. It protects tenant meetings from landlord interference, including prohibiting landlords from attending or recording meetings without tenant consent. Additionally, the legislation sets forth protections against landlord retaliation, interference with tenant organizing rights, and obstruction of investigations into violations of these rights.
Violations by landlords can lead to civil fines, injunctive orders, and the awarding of attorney fees. The bill includes a severability clause, ensuring that if any part of the legislation is found invalid, the remainder will still stand. Its enactment is tied to the passage of related bills SB 0901'24, SB 0902'24, and SB 0903'24.
Co-sponsored by Sens.
Referred to the Committee on Housing and Human Services
