A bill that would protect marijuana users in federally assisted housing has gained its sixth cosponsor, with Congressmember Troy Carter (D-LA) the most recent to join the effort.
The Marijuana in Federally Assisted Housing Parity Act, introduced earlier this year by Congressmember Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) in the House and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) in the Senate, seeks to allow state-legal marijuana use in public housing without fear of eviction.
The legislation, which has the support of Representatives Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), and now Carter, would address the gap between state and federal marijuana laws, protecting tenants who comply with their state’s regulations on medical or recreational marijuana. This would apply to those living in public housing or Section 8 housing.
“Individuals living in federally funded housing should not fear eviction simply for treating their medical conditions or for seeking a substance legal in their state,” said Rep. Norton when introducing the bill. “Congress must catch up with the increasing number of Americans who support these changes.”
Senator Booker echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the bill is about ensuring tenants are not punished for legal choices: “No one should face eviction or be denied housing for legally using marijuana in accordance with state law.”
The House version of the bill is H.R. 7094, and the Senate version is S. 3671.
