Us Code § 3601 - Declaration of policy

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 3601 — Declaration of policy, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 3601. Declaration of policy

It is the policy of the United States to provide, within constitutional limitations, for fair housing throughout the United States.

(Pub. L. 90–284, title VIII, §801, Apr. 11, 1968, 82 Stat. 81.)


Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1988 Amendment

Pub. L. 100–430, §13(a), Sept. 13, 1988, 102 Stat. 1636, provided that: "This Act and the amendments made by this Act [see Short Title of 1988 Amendment note below] shall take effect on the 180th day beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act [Sept. 13, 1988]."

Short Title of 1995 Amendment

Pub. L. 104–76, §1, Dec. 28, 1995, 109 Stat. 787, provided that: "This Act [amending section 3607 of this title] may be cited as the 'Housing for Older Persons Act of 1995'."

Short Title of 1988 Amendment

Pub. L. 100–430, §1, Sept. 13, 1988, 102 Stat. 1619, provided that: "This Act [enacting sections 3610 to 3614a of this title, amending sections 3602, 3604 to 3608, 3615 to 3619, and 3631 of this title and sections 2341 and 2342 of Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure, repealing former sections 3610 to 3613 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and section 3602 of this title] may be cited as the 'Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988'."

Short Title

Section 1 of Pub. L. 90–284, as added by Pub. L. 100–430, §2, Sept. 13, 1988, 102 Stat. 1619, provided: "That this Act [enacting this chapter, sections 231 to 233, 245, 2101, and 2102 of Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure, and sections 1301 to 1303, 1311, 1312, 1321 to 1326, 1331, and 1341 of Title 25, Indians, amending sections 1973j, 3533, 3535 of this title, and sections 241, 242, and 1153 of Title 18, enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 231 and 245 of Title 18, and repealing provisions set out as notes under section 1360 of Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure] may be cited as the 'Civil Rights Act of 1968'."

Section 800 of Pub. L. 90–284, title VIII, as added by Pub. L. 100–430, §4, Sept. 13, 1988, 102 Stat. 1619, provided that: "This title [enacting this subchapter and amending sections 3533 and 3535 of this title] may be cited as the 'Fair Housing Act'."

Separability

Pub. L. 100–430, §14, Sept. 13, 1988, 102 Stat. 1636, provided that: "If any provision of this Act [see Short Title of 1988 Amendment note above] or the application thereof to any person or circumstances is held invalid, the remainder of the Act and the application of the provision to other persons not similarly situated or to other circumstances shall not be affected thereby."

Disclaimer of Preemptive Effect on Other Acts

Pub. L. 100–430, §12, Sept. 13, 1988, 102 Stat. 1636, provided that: "Nothing in the Fair Housing Act [this subchapter] as amended by this Act [see Short Title of 1988 Amendment note above] limits any right, procedure, or remedy available under the Constitution or any other Act of the Congress not so amended."

Initial Rulemaking

Pub. L. 100–430, §13(b), Sept. 13, 1988, 102 Stat. 1636, provided that: "In consultation with other appropriate Federal agencies, the Secretary shall, not later than the 180th day after the date of the enactment of this Act [Sept. 13, 1988], issue rules to implement title VIII [this subchapter] as amended by this Act [see Short Title of 1988 Amendment note above]. The Secretary shall give public notice and opportunity for comment with respect to such rules."

Federally Protected Activities; Penalties

Penalties for violations respecting federally protected activities not applicable to and not affecting activities under this subchapter, see section 101(b) of Pub. L. 90–284, set out as a note under section 245 of Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure.

About This Section

42 U.S.C. § 3601 is part of Title 42 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 42 U.S.C. § 3601. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

How to Read This Statute

Statutes are organized by title, chapter, section, and subsection. Pay attention to words like "shall," "may," "and," and "or," because they determine whether a requirement is mandatory or permissive and whether multiple conditions must all be met. Historical notes and amendments often appear at the end of a section.

Using This Page

This page is intended for research and educational use. Lawyers, students, journalists, and compliance professionals can use it as a starting point, but should always verify the current text through an official government source before relying on it for legal advice, filings, or compliance decisions.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 3601

What does United States Code § 3601 cover?

Section 3601 ("Declaration of policy") is part of the United States Code, the codified statutory law of Us Code. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Us Code § 3601?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 3601" (Us Code). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Us Code law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Us Code official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Us Code attorney.

How does Us Code § 3601 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Us Code can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Us Code.