Connecticut Senate Bill SB00751

Connecticut 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/18/23
• Refer: 1/18/23

Caption

An Act Concerning The Review Of Criminal History Records Of Prospective Tenants.

Impact

If enacted, this bill will amend Title 46a of the general statutes, directly affecting statues related to housing and tenant discrimination. It will facilitate landlords in performing more thorough evaluations of prospective tenants by allowing the consideration of criminal histories that were previously inaccessible due to erasure. Advocates of this bill argue that it could enhance safety within rental properties by giving landlords a clearer picture of the applicant’s past, potentially preventing issues that could arise from renting to individuals with violent backgrounds.

Summary

SB00751, an act concerning the review of criminal history records of prospective tenants, aims to modify the regulations surrounding tenant screening by allowing landlords to consider the criminal history of applicants. This includes all criminal records, even those that have been erased. The bill's intent is to provide landlords with greater discretion in assessing potential tenants based on their criminal background, thereby enabling them to make more informed decisions regarding rental applications.

Contention

However, SB00751 has raised significant concerns and contention among housing advocates and tenant rights groups. Critics argue that allowing the consideration of erased criminal history records could perpetuate discrimination against individuals with past offenses, making it more difficult for them to secure housing. This aspect could disproportionately impact marginalized groups and contradict efforts to reintegrate former offenders into society. The debate encapsulates a broader issue of balancing public safety with fair housing practices, as opponents fear that the bill could lead to increased housing instability for those with criminal records.