The City of Austin’s ground breaking source of income protection (SOIP) ordinance is now in effect.  Rulings from both the U.S. District Court and the Fifth U.S. Court of Appeals paved the way for the City of Austin to begin accepting fair housing complaints from tenants who use vouchers (or other forms of rental assistance) who believe they were denied housing solely based on their source of income.

At the same time, one “anti-SOIP” bill is winding its way through the Texas State Legislature (SB 267).  Last month, the bill was amended to exempt Austin’s local ordinance via a grandfather clause.  The amended bill has been voted out to be considered by the full senate.  Housing advocates continue to monitor the bill and study its potential effects on housing discrimination across the state.