Skip to main content

Politicians make promises on their stump — we watch and hold them accountable.

Help keep the record honest →Create an account
Bills/119th Congress · House

H.R. 5700

Introduced

Break Free From Domestic Violence Act

Sponsor
DEmilia Strong Sykes· Ohio
Introduced
October 6, 2025
Policy area
Crime and Law Enforcement
Latest action
Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.October 6, 2025
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 5700 Introduced in House (IH)]

<DOC>

119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 5700

To provide additional housing protections for survivors of domestic 
violence, and for other purposes.

_______________________________________________________________________

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

October 6, 2025

Mrs. Sykes introduced the following bill; which was referred to the 
Committee on Financial Services

_______________________________________________________________________

A BILL

To provide additional housing protections for survivors of domestic 
violence, and for other purposes.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ``Break Free From Domestic Violence 
Act''.

SEC. 2. PROHIBITION ON THE IMPOSITION OF FEES FOR EARLY LEASE 
TERMINATION.

Section 41411 of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (34 U.S.C. 
12491) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(h) Prohibition on the Imposition of Fees for Early Lease 
Termination.--
``(1) Voluntary exit.--An applicant for or tenant of 
housing assisted under a covered housing program may 
voluntarily exit a lease for housing earlier than the end date 
of such lease on the basis that the applicant or tenant has 
been a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual 
assault, or stalking.
``(2) Fee prohibition.--Notwithstanding any lease 
agreement, an applicant or tenant described in paragraph (1) 
may not be charged a fee for exiting a lease for housing 
earlier than the end date of such lease on the basis described 
in paragraph (1).''.
<all>

Plain-language analysis

Not yet analyzed.

A plain-language breakdown — including any hidden or off-intent provisions and whether the bill was fast-tracked — is generated separately and reviewed before publishing. It will appear here once ready. Until then, the verbatim text above and the official source are the record.

StumpWatch is live, and the record is still growing. Many promises and positions aren’t tracked yet, and some features are still in beta. Add a sourced promise and help keep the record honest.

Help keep the record honest →