SB 30-24: Fair Chance at Housing Act (Awaiting Sponsor)

[Esteemed Jimmy]

I'll sponsor this bill.

[Esteemed Jimmy]

This bill is pretty simple, it prevents landlords from denying a lease to tenants with a criminal record except for the crimes listed in Subsection (2)(b).

[Esteemed Jimmy]

(e) TwoMulti-family dwelling exception. —

Subsection (2)(a) shall not apply to landlords renting a twomulti-family dwelling in which they live as their main residence.

My concern was balancing this without creating a loophole where the landlord puts the building as their main residence, even if its like an apartment type housing with dozens of families.

[Esteemed Jimmy]

(e) TwoMulti-family dwelling exception. —

Subsection (2)(a) shall not apply to landlords renting a twomulti-family dwelling in which they live as their main residence.

My concern was balancing this without creating a loophole where the landlord puts the building as their main residence, even if its like an apartment type housing with dozens of families.

That is a valid concern. What if I withdraw my current amendment and propose a new amendment where landlords are entitled to be exempt in housing situations with multiple families, except for apartment complexes or condominiums?

I set the exception at a two-family house because many people rent out the other side/floor of their house as more of side income rather than a main income. By doing this it separates a family just trying to make a little extra money from a landlord renting out 3+ family semi-detached houses as a main income source. Also creating a definition separating apartments and condos from the requirements creates a lot of loopholes, as for example what would a 3+ family "apartment style" semi-detached houses be classified as.

[Esteemed Jimmy]

I certainly understand the concerns of property owners who may be concerned that their property is used to traffic or manufacture drugs and obviously would and should possess the ability to preclude such activities from transpiring on their premises.

I agree from local irl experience, with the dangerous production of drugs like methamphetamine and others in multifamily houses causing explosions and fires. It is a real safety hazard that differs from just having a record of processing drugs.

[Esteemed Jimmy]

Aye