Lawmakers advance bill on overcrowded rental homes
by The Associated Press
Friday February 15, 2008, 8:38 AM
A bill aimed at reducing overcrowding in rental homes is moving forward in the state Legislature, despite heavy criticism.

The proposed law would allow municipalities to increase fines on landlords found to be letting too many people live in the same dwelling. It would also allow fines on the residents themselves for the first time.

Opponents say the measure is unfair to the disadvantaged -- especially immigrants. They also say it would not do anything to create more affordable housing in a state that is among the most expensive places to live in the nation.

The bill won unanimous approval Thursday from the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee, sending it to the full Senate.

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