Provides relative to the Louisiana Equal Housing Opportunity Act
The proposed law changes existing practices by compelling housing providers to conduct individualized assessments of applicants if such assessments involve their criminal history. Factors to be considered include the nature of the offense, the age of the applicant, elapsed time since the offense, evidence of rehabilitation, and the potential impact on family members. Furthermore, the bill requires that any withdrawal of an offer based on criminal history must be justified by a substantial and legitimate interest, and applicants must be notified in writing with specifics for the withdrawal.
House Bill 665 aims to amend the Louisiana Equal Housing Opportunity Act by introducing the Fair Chance in Housing Act, which places restrictions on how housing providers can evaluate applicants based on their criminal history. Specifically, the bill prohibits housing providers from inquiring about an applicant's criminal history prior to issuing a conditional offer for housing. This creates a legal framework meant to mitigate discriminatory practices in housing related to criminal records. Only in certain circumstances related to serious drug offenses and sexual offense registries can criminal history be considered before a conditional offer is extended.
The general sentiment surrounding HB 665 appears to be supportive among advocates for criminal justice reform and housing equality, highlighting the importance of second chances for individuals seeking housing post-incarceration. However, concerns exist among some housing providers and community members regarding public safety and the potential risks of renting to individuals with serious criminal backgrounds. As such, while proponents of the bill argue it fosters equal opportunity in housing, critics caution against overlooking safety considerations.
Notable points of contention revolve around the balance between rehabilitative justice and community safety. Supporters of HB 665 argue that restricting the use of criminal records in housing decisions prevents discriminative practices that disproportionately affect marginalized communities and supports reintegration. Opponents express apprehension that the changes might allow individuals with serious criminal records unfettered access to housing, impacting neighborhood safety. Thus, the discussion reflects a broader societal debate over fairness in housing versus the need for accountability and public safety.