State Representative Larry B. Butler (D-Waterbury) led passage of a bill that would prohibit the eviction of an individual 62 years of age or older who is mentally disabled or family who has a member that is mentally disabled because the lease has expired. SB 94 affects housing complexes with five or more units, but it does not supersede current good cause eviction rules for evicting a tenant, it merely prohibits mental disability as the sole reason for that eviction.
“This bill extends the protection for mentally disabled tenants to their families as well,” said Rep. Butler, House Chairman of the Housing Committee. “This is another tool in protecting our most vulnerable.”
Currently, Federal Housing Act guidelines prohibit discrimination as a sole reason for eviction. This bill specifies evicting for mental disabilities as falling under that definition of discrimination.
The bill having passed the State Senate now awaits the Governor’s signature.
Rep. Butler is in his 3rd term serving the 72nd House District in Waterbury