Hearing: SB 599 shields illegal migrants from landlords

By In the news
In: Uncategorized
Wednesday March 5, 2025


Sb 599 blocks landlords from knowing about legal status of renters.
By Taxpayers Association of Oregon
OregonWatchdog.com

SB 599 blocks landlords from knowing about immigration status of their prospective renters.  SB 599 is up for a hearing in Senate judiciary today.

This raises several questions;

– If a renter is someone who overstayed their travel visa, should not the landlord know that the person is in fact being actively sought after by immigration officials and could be removed at any time which renders void any lease agreement?

– If landlord currently screens for criminal records, should not felonies be on the list (because illegal entry can be a felony)?

– If Oregon passes this law and makes national news for their unique protections for people who are here illegally, would not this invite more people around the country who are here illegally to reside here?  This is currently happening and overwhelming our social services as other governments and non-profits direct people to Oregon.  California directed migrants to Oregon’s free hotel services for migrants and overloaded the program and it was forced to be shut down.  Oregon made national news over the Hacienda program which advertised free $30,000 grants for first time home buyers who were non-citizens.  Even a small fraction of migrants who decide to migrate to Oregon based on these services will only add to our already overwhelmed services, which makes it difficult to help the migrants who are already here.

SB 599 summary: “Prohibits landlords from inquiring about or disclosing immigration status or rejecting an applicant due to immigration status. Prohibits discrimination based on immigration status for real property transactions.”

Sb 599 is sponsored by Senator CAMPOS; Senators FREDERICK, GELSER BLOUIN, GOLDEN, MANNING JR, MEEK, PATTERSON, PHAM K, Representatives CHAICHI, GAMBA, GRAYBER, HUDSON, MARSH, NERON, NOSSE, RUIZ, SOSA (Presession filed.)

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