WEST’S SB 25 CLEARS THE SENATE, PROTECTING LANDLORD RIGHTS

WEST’S SB 25 CLEARS THE SENATE,

PROTECTING LANDLORD RIGHTS

Senate Bill 25, sponsored by Senator Steve West

FRANKFORT, KY. (January 24, 2024) – Senator Steve West (R-Paris) has secured the Senate's approval for Senate Bill (SB) 25, a crucial piece of legislation designed to safeguard the rights of landlords.

SB 25 seeks to ensure the autonomy of landlords by prohibiting city, county, charter county government, urban-county government, consolidated local government, or unified local government from adopting or enforcing ordinances that compel landlords to participate in a housing program under Section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937.

The measure also reinforces the primacy of state law by stipulating that no city, county, charter county government, urban-county government, consolidated local government, or unified local government can adopt or enforce any ordinance related to landlord or tenant laws that conflict with the laws of the commonwealth.

Senator West expressed the bill's purpose, stating, “I sponsored SB 25 to strike a crucial balance between property rights and renters' challenges, aiming to support property owners while addressing the housing crisis,” said West. “This legislation protects property rights, ensuring landlords can maintain property values and offer fair housing. By preventing local mandates on the federal Section 8 program, SB 25 preserves landlord autonomy statewide. I appreciate the engagement from stakeholders and look forward to constructive dialogue as SB 25 progresses through the legislative process."

The bill will now proceed to the Kentucky House of Representatives where lawmakers will have the opportunity to review and further deliberate on its provisions.

Learn more about SB 25 and the 2024 Regular Session of the Kentucky General Assembly at www.Legislature.ky.gov.

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Senator Steve West, R-Paris, represents the 27th Senate District, including Bourbon, Fleming, Harrison, Mason, Nicholas, Robertson, and Rowan Counties and part of northern Fayette County. He serves as Senate Education Committee chair and Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee chair. West is also a member of the Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture and the Budget Review Subcommittee on Education.