Anti-Domestic Violence Bill Passes Senate

Becker’s Anti-Domestic Violence Bill Passes Senate From Vaneta Beckers Office: Indiana Senators today voted unanimously to pass House Bill 1509, an initiative sponsored by Sen. Vaneta Becker, to protect housing rights for victims of domestic violence. Under the bill, bi-partisan measure provides that a tenant who is a victim or an alleged victim of crime involving domestic or family violence, a sex offense or stalking can request the landlord change the locks of their rental residence at the residents expense without the landlord taking action against them. It also provides that a landlord may not terminate a lease, simply because a tenant is a victim of domestic violence. “No one deserves to be a victim of domestic violence and then feel as though they will get in trouble for trying to protect themselves,” says Becker. “This piece of legislation will provide victims an opportunity to protect themselves and hopefully escape from the violent situation.” House Bill 1509 will also provide the tenant and the tenants landlord immunity from civil liability in specific situations and for taking certain actions. Indiana’s House of Representatives also passed the measure with a unanimous vote, which now goes to the Governor to sign or veto. If signed, the bill would go into effect on July 1, 2007.