Bill
A 1617
Overview: Bill Number: A 1617, Title: Relates to potential tenants with a criminal history; and relates to public housing applicants with a criminal history, Status: REFERRED TO HO
Overview: Bill Number: A 1617, Title: Relates to potential tenants with a criminal history; and relates to public housing applicants with a criminal history, Status: REFERRED TO HOUSING, Introduced: January 09, 2024
Purpose and Intent: This bill aims to address barriers faced by individuals with criminal records when seeking public or private rental housing. The goal is to promote greater access to housing opportunities and reduce recidivism by removing overly restrictive policies.
Key Provisions:
- Prohibits landlords from automatically denying rental applications solely based on an applicant's criminal history
- Requires landlords to conduct an individualized assessment of each applicant's criminal record and its relevance to the tenancy
- Limits the types of criminal convictions that can be considered as grounds for denying public housing applications
- Mandates the development of statewide standards and guidance for public housing authorities on evaluating applicants with criminal histories
Affected Parties and Impacts:
- Individuals with criminal records will have improved access to both public and private rental housing opportunities
- Landlords will face new requirements and limitations on how they can use criminal history information in the tenant screening process
- Public housing authorities will need to update their policies and procedures to align with the new state standards
Procedural and Timeline Considerations:
The bill has been referred to the Housing committee for further review and consideration. If enacted, the new housing access requirements would take effect within 6 months of the bill's passage.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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