Amends TCA Title 66.

This bill prohibits landlords from prohibiting or limiting a resident's or tenant's right to summon law enforcement or other emergency assistance by or on behalf of a victim of abuse, a victim of a crime, or an individual in an emergency. This bill also prohibits landlords from penalizing a resident or tenant for the exercise of such right. The rights conferred by this bill cannot be waived and any purported waiver of such rights will be void.<br /> <br /> This bill prohibits any governmental entity from authorizing imposition of a penalty against a landlord, owner, resident, or tenant because the landlord, owner, resident, or tenant:<br /> <br /> (1) Was a victim of abuse or crime; or<br /> <br /> (2) Sought law enforcement assistance or other emergency assistance for a victim of abuse, a victim of a crime, or an individual in an emergency if:<br /> <br /> (A) The person seeking assistance had a reasonable belief that the emergency assistance was necessary to prevent the perpetration or escalation of the abuse, crime, or emergency; or<br /> <br /> (B) In the event of abuse, crime, or another emergency, the emergency assistance was actually required.<br /> <br /> This bill creates causes of action whereby an aggrieved party may file suit against a landlord or local government that violates the provisions of this bill. The full text of this bill specifies the types of damages that may be awarded to a prevailing plaintiff in such an action.<br />