IMMEDIATE ACTION NEEDED FOR PROPERTY MANAGERS/OWNERS: HB3499

This bill will add language requiring LIHTC properties only to conduct an individualized review of all criminal history records and the impact on the household’s suitability for admission. It requires defined criminal history screening policies that state that applicants with felony convictions may only be denied housing if an individualized review shows that the safety of residents and the property. This policy must include criteria for lookback periods, no blanket denials and procedures for individualized reviews. Many of our property management members have indicated that this bill is too subjective and may inadvertently lead to Fair Housing issues as it can not be consistently applied. This has passed the House and is moving on to the Senate. We recommend that you contact State Senators immediately to voice your concerns.

For those that are looking to take action, the best course is to have your staff contact every Senator by phone and/or email today. It takes approximately an hour to call all 48 Senators about thirty minutes to email all of them. CLICK HERE for contact information for all the Senators (listed under the SENATE tab). Some submitted talking points are available here.