DES MOINES, Iowa - A bill to let landlords decide whether to accept low-income rental vouchers is closer to becoming law in Iowa.
It would do away with city and county ordinances that protect renters who use federal assistance, such as Section 8 vouchers.
The bill has passed the state House mostly on party lines, and now heads to the Senate.
Republicans say it prevents landlords from being forced to accept federal vouchers while Democrats say it amounts to discrimination against low-income renters.
The bill would do away with ordinances currently in place in Des Moines, Iowa City and Marion.
It passed by a 56-38 margin with one Democrat joining 55 Republicans voting in favor, while two Republicans joined 36 Democrats in opposition.
The bill was originally passed along party lines in the Senate, but was amended in the House to take effect at the beginning of 2023.It now goes back to the Senate, where if it passes again, would then go to Governor Reynolds for her signature.
It's supported by the Iowa Apartment Association and landlord groups, and opposed by a wide range for groups representing cities, counties, credit unions, churches, lawyers and mental health interests.