A bill being debated at the Arizona Capitol is putting the issue of evictions front and center.
House Bill 2358 could give landlords the ability to evict tenants who pay rent using help from Section 8 vouchers and nonprofits. The bill comes as a response to a court decision last year that essentially said, if a landlord accepts rental assistance from someone as part of their payment, that tenant can’t be evicted.
Proponents say that has put landlords in a bad position. But those against this bill worry it could be abused.
The Show turned to Ellen Katz, director of the William E. Morris Institute for Justice. She says, if it was just about Section 8 vouchers, she wouldn’t object. But she objects to how broad it is right now.
The Show also heard from the organization that pushed for it. Courtney LeVinus is the president and CEO of the Arizona Multihousing Association. The Show spoke with her about why this recent court decision made it necessary, in her opinion, to change this law.
