Governor McGreevey signed the Section 8 Anti-Discrimination bill (A710/S631) on Thursday, September 5, 2002. Thanks to everyone who wrote letters, made calls and/or testified in favor of the bill.

This is a real victory for very low income people. The law mandate that the Division of Civil Right's enforce the State's laws against discrimination in housing based on source of income or age of children. Under the law a landlord who discriminates can be fined up to $10,000 for a first offense and up to $25,000 for a second offense. A person bringing action because of discrimination may be awarded a reasonable attorney's fee. The Attorney General will notify landlords and tenants of the law. Housing advocates will work to ensure this law is enforced.

For a summary of the legislation, see the official press release.