Virginia Fair Housing Law; regulations defining terms related to unlawful conduct.

The document format changed from an Enrolled Act to a General Laws Substitute, indicating the bill is now a draft version under consideration rather than a finalized law.

New definitions were added to the Fair Housing Law, including specific legal meanings for 'quid pro quo harassment,' 'hostile environment harassment,' 'prohibited interference,' 'coercion,' and 'intimidation conduct' to align with federal regulations.

A detailed definition for 'assistance animal' was added to clarify that these animals provide necessary tasks or emotional support for disabilities and are distinct from pets.

Additional definitions were introduced for 'conciliation,' 'conciliation agreement,' 'disability,' 'discriminatory housing practices,' 'dwelling,' 'elderliness,' 'familial status,' 'family,' 'hostile environment harassment,' 'lending institution,' 'major life activities,' 'military status,' 'person,' and 'physical or mental impairment.'

Added a new section (36-96.5:1) that defines 'quid pro quo harassment' as an unlawful discriminatory housing practice when submission to an unwelcome request is made a condition of housing or related transactions.

Required the Fair Housing Board to promulgate regulations defining 'quid pro quo harassment' and 'hostile environment harassment' consistent with federal guidelines.

Required the Fair Housing Board to promulgate regulations defining 'prohibited interference,' 'coercion,' and 'intimidation conduct' consistent with federal guidelines.

Set a deadline for the Fair Housing Board to implement the new regulations within 280 days of the act's enactment.