Connecticut Senate Bill SB00109

Connecticut 2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/13/20
• Refer: 2/13/20
• Report Pass: 3/5/20

Caption

An Act Concerning A Landlord's Ability To Consider The Criminal Record Of Prospective Tenants.

Impact

The enactment of SB00109 would significantly alter how landlords and housing authorities assess rental applications. This legislation seeks to establish a fairer evaluation process for individuals with past criminal offenses while concurrently offering landlords immunity from civil liability if they rent to a tenant in accordance with the established regulations. Housing authorities would also have to adapt their criteria to reflect the statute by considering applicants' criminal histories only within the stipulated time frames, thereby potentially increasing housing opportunities for those affected by past convictions.

Summary

SB00109, titled 'An Act Concerning A Landlord's Ability To Consider The Criminal Record Of Prospective Tenants,' aims to regulate how landlords may evaluate the criminal history of individuals seeking to rent housing. Specifically, the bill mandates that a limit be placed on the time periods for which past felonies and misdemeanors can be considered—seven years for felonies and three years for misdemeanors. The intention is to provide a more equitable opportunity for prospective tenants whose criminal records might otherwise impede their chances of securing housing, thus acknowledging the importance of reintegration into society for individuals with a criminal background.

Contention

Discourse surrounding SB00109 suggests notable contention concerning the balance between tenant rights and landlord protections. While advocates argue that the bill fosters inclusivity and rehabilitation, critics express concerns about the risks of renting to individuals with criminal histories, suggesting it could pose safety hazards to other tenants. The inclusion of specific criteria to evaluate relevant criminal behavior by housing authorities, while necessary, raises questions regarding how effectively landlords can ensure safe and responsible renting practices in light of these new regulations. Ultimately, discussions highlight the ongoing tension between societal rehabilitation goals and the rights of landlords to protect their properties and communities.