In house chambers today, there was a robust debate over House Bill 18.

It sides with landlords who say they should be able to choose who they rent to.

The bill says landlords in Kentucky do not have to accept tenants with federal housing assistance such as Section eight.

So even though I had a positive experience, there are many, many landlords that have not had that positive experience.

And in Bob and Bob arise in their mind after leasing their property for a number of years to Section eight housing could very well say, You know what, I don't want to do that anymore.

And if they don't, they shouldn't be forced to do so.

Democratic opponents say this bill discriminates against poor people.

I don't think it will come as a shock to anyone.

That source of income discrimination appropriately or disproportionately affects renters of color and women and the elderly who are often on a fixed income.

And those with disabilities.

That's been stated.

But there are also broader economic and social ramifications.

It limits housing choices for low income households and exacerbating the residential segregation and concentrating poverty in certain neighborhoods.

This, in turn, leads to reduced access to quality schools, health care and other essential services that just further hindering upward mobility for residents.

And critics say this is in conflict with some local governments.

In Louisville, an ordinance requires landlords to accept tenants housing vouchers, Social Security or child support.

That local ordinance would be moot if this bill becomes law.

Opponents also say people with housing vouchers need places to live.

The bill's backers say forcing landlords to rent to certain people will only lead them to take units off the market.

The vote was 74 to 20, with all Democrats voting against the bill.

House Bill 18 now heads to the Senate, where a similar bill, Senate Bill 25, is waiting to be heard.