Gov. Beshear Vetoes Bill That Would Make It Harder for Families To Access Affordable Housing

Bill would let landlords refuse to rent housing based on a person’s source of income

Gov. Andy Beshear has issued his first veto of legislation passed by the 2024 General Assembly, saying the measure would make it harder for Kentuckians to access affordable housing.

House Bill 18, sponsored by Rep. Ryan Dotson, R-Winchester, prohibits local governments from adopting or enforcing ordinances that prohibit owners of housing accommodations from refusing to lease or rent the housing accommodation to a person when the person's source of income to pay rent includes funding from a federal housing assistance program.

In his veto message, the governor said this would impact those with disabilities, senior citizens, low-income families and homeless veterans from being able to access affordable housing.

He said the bill removes local government control and autonomy with the General Assembly dictating how local governments act to prevent discrimination in housing. The bill aims to stop the cities of Louisville and Lexington from enforcing local laws that prevent landlords from refusing to rent housing based on a person’s source of income, such as federal housing assistance vouchers. It would also prevent other cities from enacting similar laws.

“We should be working to help our people,” Beshear explained. “That is what my faith teaches me – to follow the parable of the Good Samaritan, to know that everyone is our neighbor and to treat everyone with compassion. This bill is just wrong and mean, and I am proud to veto it.”

The veto took place during a ceremony in Louisville, where Beshear was joined by Louisville Councilman Phillip Baker.

“Every Kentuckian deserves a safe place to call home – it is a basic necessity for human dignity and equality,” Baker said. “Legislation, such as House Bill 18, that allows housing discrimination based on income, is not only unjust but perpetuates systemic inequality and is a shameful reminder that the Kentucky General Assembly values wealth over humanity.”

Since the final vote in the House was 75-20 and the Senate approved it 25-11, it is likely the Republican supermajority in both chambers will be able to muster the simple majority required to override the veto.

House Speaker David Osborne all but promised an override to the veto.

“Today’s news comes as no surprise as the Governor has vetoed everything from legislation aimed at eliminating the state’s income tax to providing $250 million in funding for high-speed internet expansion," he said. "With today’s veto, he strikes out at the right of a property owner to make a decision about how his or her property will be used. The very idea of forcing a property owner to participate in a program runs contrary to one of the most basic and fundamental rights. Members will consider an override, as they have with almost every other policy vetoed by the Governor.”