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TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 31-21-160 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT ANY COVERED HOUSING AGENCY SHALL ADMINISTER ALL PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES RELATED TO HOUSING IN A MANNER THAT AFFIRMATIVELY FURTHERS FAIR HOUSING.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:
SECTION 1. Chapter 21, Title 31 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:
"Section 31-21-160. (A) For the purposes of this section, the term 'covered housing agency' means any state department, agency, or office administering housing laws or housing programs including, but not limited to, the South Carolina Human Affairs Commission, the South Carolina Housing Authority, and any localities receiving funds from any state department, agency, or office to administer programs or activities related to housing.
(B) The commissioner and all covered housing agencies shall administer all programs and activities related to housing in a manner that affirmatively furthers fair housing.
(C) The commissioner and all covered housing agencies shall take meaningful actions to:
(1) identify and overcome patterns of segregation;
(2) eradicate racially or ethnically concentrated areas of poverty;
(3) reduce disparities in access to opportunity; and
(4) eliminate disproportionate housing needs.
(D) The commissioner and all covered housing agencies may not take an action that is materially inconsistent with the obligation of this section.
(E) Before December first of each year, the commissioner shall submit a report to the Governor, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the President of the Senate regarding the implementation of this section during the preceding fiscal year. The report also must be made available to the public. The report must include any significant initiatives, policies, or programs undertaken in furtherance of fair housing and any recommendations for improving the state of fair housing in this State."
SECTION 2. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.
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