Specifies inapplicability of "Fair Chance in Housing Act" to county and municipal landlords.
The bill proposes that counties and municipalities, which directly rent residential units to tenants, will not be classified under the term 'housing provider,' as defined in the current version of the Fair Chance in Housing Act. This effectively resolves ongoing disputes about whether provisions meant to protect people with criminal records from housing discrimination should apply to local government landlords. If enacted, the bill could limit the protective measures that individuals with criminal backgrounds could invoke when seeking housing from local governments.
Assembly Bill A4957 aims to amend the 'Fair Chance in Housing Act' by specifying the act's inapplicability to county and municipal landlords. This change seeks to clarify the legal status of local government entities as housing providers under the regulations established by the Fair Chance in Housing Act, which was enacted in 2021 to bolster housing rights for individuals with criminal records. The original intent behind the act was to facilitate access to safe and affordable housing, while simultaneously addressing concerns about recidivism among formerly incarcerated individuals.
The introduction of A4957 has sparked debate among various stakeholders. Proponents argue that excluding county and municipal landlords from the Fair Chance in Housing Act's provisions will allow local entities greater discretion in their rental practices and potentially simplify compliance with housing regulations. Conversely, critics contend that this amendment undermines the original purpose of the Fair Chance in Housing Act, which is to enhance housing opportunities for vulnerable populations. They argue that it could exacerbate discrimination against individuals with criminal records by allowing local governments to establish policies that could restrict their access to housing.