Texas House Bill HB3479

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to the prohibition of housing discrimination on the basis of an individual's criminal history and to the enforcement of that prohibition.

Impact

The introduction of HB 3479 is expected to have significant implications on state housing laws. By prohibiting landlords from discriminating against applicants based on their criminal history, it aligns Texas legislation with the pursuit of fair housing and civil rights. The amendments included in the bill compel landlords to provide written reasons for application rejections and allow applicants to present mitigating circumstances regarding their criminal history. This could effectively improve housing access for individuals with prior convictions who may otherwise face unjust barriers in securing housing.

Summary

House Bill 3479 aims to prohibit housing discrimination based on an individual's criminal history. Specifically, the bill amends the Government Code and the Property Code to ensure that discrimination against tenants because of their criminal history is unlawful, provided the convictions occurred more than three years prior. The bill mandates that municipalities and housing authorities adopt policies that facilitate acceptance of such individuals as tenants in housing developments receiving state financial assistance. It seeks to create a more equitable housing environment, reducing barriers for past offenders seeking housing and addressing the stigma associated with criminal records.

Contention

Debates surrounding HB 3479 have highlighted points of contention regarding the balance between fair housing practices and property owners' rights. While supporters argue that the bill will enhance social justice by allowing reintegration of individuals with criminal backgrounds into society, opponents express concerns over potential risks associated with housing individuals with serious criminal offenses. The bill does stipulate that certain serious offenses, such as sex offenses and family violence, are exempted from its protections, which leads to discussions about the necessary thresholds for fairness and community safety.