Senate Advances Singleton Bill to Fight Discriminatory Housing Policy

Trenton – Legislation sponsored by Senator Troy Singleton, which would require real estate licensees to complete courses of study concerning fair housing and housing discrimination, advanced from the Senate today.

“Discriminatory housing policy has always been a major component towards the creation and furthering of institutional racism in our society,” said Senator Singleton (D-Burlington). “By educating real estate agents and brokers, we are taking a major step towards eradicating discriminatory housing practices.”

“Senator Singleton has been on the frontlines of combating housing discrimination. This piece of legislation is a great first step towards educating those who work in the real estate industry in order to end institutional racism,” said Staci Berger, President and CEO of the Housing and Community Development Network of NJ.

“The National Association of Realtors, along with New Jersey Realtors, is proud to be celebrating 50 years of fair housing across the country,” said Jarrod Grasso, CEO of New Jersey Realtors. “The more we can do to educate all licensees on the power of fair housing, the stronger our communities will be.”

“I am glad Senator Singleton is taking a stand against housing discrimination. People need to be made aware of the impacts of discrimination and how discrimination perpetuates racial and economic segregation in New Jersey.  Steering, redlining, and other unlawful practices harm our state. We look forward to further working with Senator Singleton in the future,” said Richard T. Smith President of the NAACP New Jersey State Conference.

The bill, S-2472, would require real estate licensees to complete at least one hour of education concerning fair housing and housing discrimination as a prerequisite for licensure as a broker, broker-salesperson, salesperson, or referral agent, and complete at least one hour of continuing education concerning fair housing and housing discrimination during each biennial license term as a broker, broker-salesperson, or salesperson.

The bill was released from committee by a vote of 39-0.