LANSING – Today, Sen. Erika Geiss (D-Taylor) and Sen. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit) introduced legislation that would create the Emergency Rental Relief Act and that would prohibit foreclosures and evictions in the event of a public health emergency, epidemic, pandemic, or natural disaster.
“As the people of Michigan continue to suffer and Republican leadership refuses to do anything to actually help others instead of themselves, we believe this legislation is necessary now more than ever,” Sen. Geiss said. “The governor has set a shining example of creating services and programs that are needed to help our most vulnerable populations during a crisis. These bills would ensure the same going forward.”
The legislation includes:
- Senate Bill 912, that would create the Emergency Rental Relief Act. (Geiss)
- Senate Bill 913, that would define the parameters during which a tenant may terminate a lease under the Emergency Rental Relief Act. (Irwin)
- Senate Bill 914, that would institute a moratorium on foreclosures and evictions during certain state emergencies. (Alexander)
- Senate Bill 915, that would institute a moratorium on foreclosures and evictions by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority during certain state emergencies. (Hollier)
- Senate Bill 916, that would allow foreclosing governmental units to extend the tax foreclosure deadlines during a stat of disaster or emergency. (Chang)
“The legislature should, remove barriers for those who need it most,” Sen. Chang said. “It’s hard enough trying to decide between buying food or prescription medicine and paying the bills during normal times. This legislation would provide certain protections for our residents during challenging times like this, and bring relief and peace of mind when it’s needed most.”
###