The Arc of Texas Support of Legislation Providing Legal Assistance to Individuals Experiencing Disability-Based Housing Discrimination

Verbal Testimony on HB 1063

Good Morning Chair Bell, Vice Chair Zwiener, and members of the Committee,

My name is Michael Clarke, and I am the Deputy Director of Public Policy and Advocacy for The Arc of Texas. The Arc of Texas promotes, protects, and advocates for the human rights and self-determination of Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I am testifying in support of HB 1063 by Representative Bhojani.

Across the U.S. people with disabilities, including people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), face many challenges and barriers in accessing and maintaining housing. While the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Fair Housing Act prohibit housing discrimination based on disability, many individuals are unaware of their rights or lack the resources to challenge discriminatory practices. Housing discrimination against people with disabilities can take many forms, such as a rental complex failing to provide accessible parking for tenants who need it, or an apartment building with a frequently out-of-service elevator, preventing residents with disabilities from reaching their homes.

According to the National Fair Housing Alliance, complaints of discrimination based on disability status are among the most common types of housing discrimination reported. Although state and federal law clearly prohibit such discrimination, many individuals struggle to enforce their rights without legal assistance.

HB 1063 would allow local governments the ability to create a tenant legal services office to provide legal assistance to certain low-income residential tenants, including in cases involving housing discrimination based on a tenant’s disability. The Arc of Texas strongly supports the provisions of HB 1063 which would provide legal representation and services to certain low income Texans experiencing housing discrimination, specifically as a result of their disability.

HB 1063 makes great strides in ensuring that Texans experiencing housing discrimination as a result of their disability are afforded the legal representation and services necessary to help them navigate our state’s legal system.

I urge the Committee to give favorable consideration to HB 1063. Thank you for your time and consideration. I am happy to answer any questions.