Duval Times

U.S. Senators Marco Rubio and Bill Hagerty have introduced the Respect State Housing Laws Act, a bill that aims to eliminate a federal requirement put in place under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020. The requirement, which mandates a 30-day notice to vacate for tenants, was originally implemented as a response to the economic uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns.

However, the regulation was never intended to be permanent, yet it still remains in effect today, causing legal confusion for both renters and landlords across the country. The Respect State Housing Laws Act seeks to rectify this situation by allowing states to once again determine their own housing guidelines.

Senator Rubio expressed his support for the bill, stating, "The nationwide mandate for a notice to vacate is obsolete. I’m proud to introduce the Respect State Housing Laws Act, which strips away federal overreach, restoring eviction notice policies to the states, where they rightfully belong."

In addition to the Senate bill, Representative Barry Loudermilk has introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives, further highlighting the bipartisan effort to address this issue.

With the introduction of the Respect State Housing Laws Act, there is hope that the legal confusion surrounding eviction notices will be resolved. By empowering states to establish their own guidelines, it is believed that a more tailored and effective approach to housing regulations can be achieved.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact the economy, it is crucial to provide clarity and support to both renters and landlords. The Respect State Housing Laws Act represents a step towards achieving this goal, and it will be interesting to see how this legislation progresses through the legislative process.