Originally published: . Volume 12, No. 7. Source pages: 5.
Gov. Edward signed HB 375 into the new law, Act 1. The new law allows victims of sexual assault to receive early termination of their residential leases. "I am proud to have signed HB 375 by Rep. Freeman into law, making it Act 1 of the 2021 Legislative Session," said Gov. Edwards. "This bill is a great step forward in helping sexual assault survivors gain independence and protection under the law, and I applaud Rep. Freeman for bringing this legislation forward." The individual will need to (1) Assert in writing to the lessor that the lessee is a victim of sexual assault and requests an early termination; (2) Provide reasonable documentation of a sexual assault within the prior six months; (3) Assert in writing that the lessee shall not willingly and voluntarily permit the sexual offender further access to, visitation on, or occupancy of the lessee's residential dwelling unit; and (4) Fulfill all requirements of a lessee under the lease agreement. The new law provides that the lessor shall be entitled to an immediate eviction of a sexual assault offender upon presenting reasonable documentation of the assault. Proposed law provides that the lessee shall vacate the residential property by the date agreed upon to avoid liability for future rent.
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