SP0329, LD 1097, item 1, An Act To Protect Tenants from Sexual Harassment

An Act To Protect Tenants from Sexual Harassment

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:

Sec. 1. 14 MRSA §6000, sub-§2-A is enacted to read:

2-A. Sexual harassment. "Sexual harassment" means verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature directed at a specific person, including, but not limited to, unwelcome sexual advances; sexually suggestive remarks or actions; unwanted hugs, touches or kisses; and requests for sexual favors.

Sec. 2. 14 MRSA §6001, sub-§3, ¶E, as amended by PL 2015, c. 293, §3, is further amended to read:

E. Prior to being served with an eviction notice, filed, in good faith, a fair housing complaint for which there is a reasonable basis with the Maine Human Rights Commission or filed, in good faith, a fair housing complaint for which there is a reasonable basis with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development concerning acts affecting that individual's tenancy; or

Sec. 3. 14 MRSA §6001, sub-§3, ¶F, as enacted by PL 2015, c. 293, §4, is amended to read:

F. Prior to being served with an eviction notice, provided the landlord or the landlord's agent with notice that the tenant or tenant's minor child is a victim . ; or

Sec. 4. 14 MRSA §6001, sub-§3, ¶G is enacted to read:

G. Complained in writing to the landlord or the landlord's agent of an act of sexual harassment by the landlord or landlord's agent against the tenant or a family or household member of the tenant.

Sec. 5. 14 MRSA §6016-A is enacted to read:

§ 6016-A. Maine Human Rights Act

Nothing in this subchapter limits the application of the Maine Human Rights Act.

summary

This bill creates a rebuttable presumption that a forcible entry and detainer action was commenced in retaliation against a tenant if the tenant had made a complaint of an act of sexual harassment by the landlord or landlord's agent. The bill defines "sexual harassment."

SP0329 LD 1097	Session - 129th Maine Legislature		LR 629 Item 1
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