S.2076: Fair Chance at Housing Act of 2019

The Fair Chance at Housing Act (S. 2076) would reform the screening and eviction policies for federal housing assistance to provide fair access to housing for those involved in the criminal justice system.

Under current law, federally assisted housing providers have broad discretion concerning tenant screening, leading to overly restrictive policies, particularly among ex-felons. This bill would require that, during the tenant screening process, owners of the building, as well as public housing agencies (PHAs), perform an individualized review of each applicant that considers the totality of the circumstances when considering criminal history. Housing providers would also be required to consider mitigating evidence of past criminal activity when presented by the applicant. Additionally, PHAs, but not owners, would be required to establish a review panel that includes at least one resident representative to conduct the individualized review for applicants applying for public housing or Housing Choice Vouchers (HCVs).

S. 2076 would also tackle a number of other long-standing discriminatory practices, such as eliminating the “One Strike” eviction policy and allow people with criminal records to visit families.

H.R. 3685 is the House companion bill.