What does Preamble of HR 7856 do?

This bill aims to provide protection for survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, and sex trafficking under the Fair Housing Act.

What does SHORT TITLE. of HR 7856 do?

This bill is formally titled the Fair Housing for Survivors Act of 2026.

What does FINDINGS. of HR 7856 do?

This section outlines findings related to domestic violence, sexual assault, sex trafficking, and other forms of intimate partner and gender-based violence in the United States. The findings indicate that a significant portion of women and men have experienced violence by an intimate partner. Intimate partner violence affects over 10,000,000 people annually, and domestic violence is estimated to cost employers billions of dollars. Homelessness and housing insecurity are strongly linked to experiences of domestic and sexual violence, with many survivors needing but not receiving housing assistance. Vulnerable populations, including women of color, survivors with children, and those experiencing food or housing insecurity, face heightened risks of eviction and violence. Survivors often encounter discrimination in securing and maintaining housing due to their status as survivors or evidence of past abuse. Securing safe and affordable housing is identified as a crucial step in ending domestic and sexual violence.

What does SURVIVORS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OR SEXUAL ASSAULT AS PROTECTED of HR 7856 do?

This section amends the Fair Housing Act to include survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and severe forms of trafficking in persons as a protected class. The amendments add definitions for 'domestic violence,' 'sexual assault,' 'severe forms of trafficking in persons,' 'coercion,' and 'survivor' to section 802 of the Fair Housing Act. Sections 804 through 808 of the Fair Housing Act are amended to add 'whether a person is a survivor of domestic violence, sexual assault, or severe forms of trafficking in persons' as a protected characteristic, alongside national origin. Section 807 is amended to allow federal, state, and local government programs to assist or benefit survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, or severe forms of trafficking in persons in seeking housing. Title IX of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 is amended to prohibit intimidation based on status as a survivor of domestic violence, sexual assault, or severe forms of trafficking in persons. The Act clarifies that these amendments do not limit survivors’ ability to recover for other forms of discrimination under the Fair Housing Act.

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Fair Housing for Survivors Act of 2026 — HR. 7856

Last updated: 3/5/2026 · Introduced: 3/5/2026

Author: Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill amends the Fair Housing Act to explicitly protect survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and severe forms of trafficking in persons from housing discrimination.
The Act expands definitions within the Fair Housing Act to include terms like 'domestic violence,' 'sexual assault,' and 'survivor,' and prohibits intimidation based on survivor status.
Government programs can now assist survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, or severe forms of trafficking in persons in securing housing.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 2 more.

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