Rep. Lawler Introduces Bipartisan Bill to End Breed and Weight Restrictions for Pets in Public Housing
The Pets Belong with Families Act is currently in the House Committee on Financial Services. Since April 19, 2026, the bill has not moved, and it must receive a vote from this committee to proceed. Most bills do not move past this stage, and no further action has been scheduled.
The bill has support from both parties which helps its chances but many housing bills struggle to get a full vote in Congress.
This bill’s path across every version that has carried it.
Reintroduced
Reintroduced from H.R. 3989 (118th), which died when its Congress ended.
H.R. 3989 (118th) →Scores run from -100 (strongly harmful) to +100 (strongly beneficial) for each group, combining impact, certainty, scope, and duration ratings of 1-5. How impact scoring works
Renters living in public housing would benefit from stronger pet ownership rights and lower financial barriers to keeping pets. The deposit cap at 10% of monthly rent and the requirement to spread payments over at least 3 months reduces the upfront financial burden on low-income tenants. The ban on withholding deposits for non-pet damage also protects tenants from unfair charges when they move out.
“A public housing agency may not withhold a pet deposit described in paragraph (1) for damage unrelated to the pet, including due to ordinary wear and tear.”
Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
No votes or news coverage recorded for this bill yet.
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Pets Belong with Families Act
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