Legislation expands housing access by prohibiting landlords and home sellers from discriminating based on income sources 

Santa Fe, N.M. – Today, the House of Representatives passed legislation to strengthen protections and expand housing access for renters and homebuyers in New Mexico by a vote of 42-24.

House Bill 339 would add “source of income” as a protected category under the New Mexico Human Rights Act, building on existing protections against discrimination based on gender, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, and disability. The bill specifies that all verifiable sources of legal, recurring income, including social security, government assistance, and housing vouchers, must be included when calculating income requirements for renters and homebuyers. HB 339 is sponsored by Rep. Angelica Rubio (D-Las Cruces) and Rep. Andrea Romero (D-Santa Fe).

“At the end of the day, every New Mexican deserves a fair chance at a home. Right now, too many families, seniors, and veterans are being turned away from housing – not because they can’t pay rent, but because of outdated biases against housing vouchers, disability benefits, or other lawful income sources,” said Rep. Rubio. “HB 339 closes this loophole in our Human Rights Act, ensuring that all renters are judged on their ability to pay – not where their money comes from. This is about fairness, preventing discrimination, and making our housing market work for everyone.”

If the bill becomes law, New Mexicans who are discriminated against based on income source when looking to buy or rent would be able to pursue legal action under the Human Rights Act. HB 339 will now head to the Senate

This bill is part of a slate of legislation introduced by House Democrats this session to address the rising cost of living by helping to raise pay and strengthen benefits for working people, protect consumers from corporate greed, and lower the costs of essentials, like housing, healthcare, and groceries.

A non-comprehensive list of affordability legislation introduced by House Democrats includes: 

  • Raising minimum pay for school staff (HB 201) and workers on publicly-supported projects (HB 6) 

  • Stopping employers from taking credit card fees out of the wages of tipped workers (HB 22) 

  • Establishing a commission to study and make recommendations on how to reduce grocery store prices and improve local supply chain issues (HB 17)

  • Prohibiting grocery and retail stores from using so-called “dynamic” pricing to gouge consumers (HB 285) 

  • Protecting renters from discrimination and artificial rent increases (HB 43, 98, 215, 339) 

  • Improving healthcare access and price transparency (HB 186, 263)

  • Provide free high school equivalency testing and preparatory services (HB 167)

  • Eliminate unfair pricing by ticket resellers (HB 26)

Members of the public are welcome to attend floor sessions and committee meetings at the New Mexico Roundhouse, and can tune in virtually through the New Mexico Legislature’s Webcasts tab. Public comment can also be provided in-person, and via phone or Zoom as directed on the daily schedule.