On February 8, 2024, Associate Policy Director Brianna January testified before the Senate Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee in support of SB 522- Charter Counties- Enforcement of Local Laws. This bill increases the maximum fine that a charter county may impose in violation of a local ordinance.
Counties have the authority to enforce local laws, fair housing standards, employment discrimination, and public accommodation discrimination laws. The application of penalties can encourage compliance with these requirements, so residents have a safe community to live and thrive.
Unfortunately, the original fine of $1,000 for these types of violations has not kept pace with other market variables and inflation, and therefore, has become somewhat of a simple “cost of doing business” for entities in regular, even calculated, violation of these laws. A fine of $5,000 for these violations is consistent with a penalty that will effectively, and appropriately, change behaviors. This will help restore the trust, protection, and assurance residents need to live, work, and thrive in any jurisdiction.
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