House passes Homebuyer Protection subbill clarifying anti-discrimination disclosure

The House Civil Justice Committee adopted a narrowed version of the Homebuyer Protection Act and favorably reported House Bill 438 as amended.

Representative Williams said negotiations with the Realtors Association and bankers removed broader provisions and left "a 1 page disclosure on anti discrimination" that the superintendent of real estate would prepare. He told the committee the disclosure would put sellers on notice of federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination and possible penalties, describing the change as "just gonna be another form that they need to fill out, before they start the real estate process." Representative Stewart confirmed the amendment removes prior language that would have dictated who sellers can sell to.

Representative Matthews moved to favorably report HB 438 as amended; the committee recorded unanimous support and the bill was passed and sent for LSC harmonization and processing.

The committee requested LSC harmonize the bill language and asked members to sign the roll before leaving.