LANSING, Mich., March 7, 2025 — State Rep. Emily Dievendorf (D-Lansing) reintroduced their legislation to enact a “Homeless Bill of Rights” yesterday. This bill seeks to address systemic inequities by affirming that housing status should never limit a person’s rights or opportunities. By codifying these protections, Michigan would join states like Rhode Island, Connecticut and Illinois in leading the fight against homelessness and discrimination.
“Every single person in our state deserves to be treated with the utmost dignity and respect and should have every opportunity to pursue life, liberty and happiness,” Dievendorf said. “Housing status should never determine whether someone is able to access employment, medical care or simply exist in public spaces. This legislation would ensure every individual is protected equally under the law.”
Dievendorf introduced this legislation last term, but it did not make it through both chambers of the Legislature before the end of the lame duck session. Updates to the previous legislation ensure local governments can respond to homelessness with the approach that best suits their community.
“The updated language in the reintroduction of this bill will ensure further protections for unhoused individuals and give local governments the power to make decisions in the best interests of their communities,” Dievendorf said. “Strengthening these protections will help prevent discrimination against our unhoused neighbors and make sure we are all subject to equal treatment in the eyes of the law.”
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