A new bill introduced by Representatives Rashida Tlaib and Ayanna Pressley seeks to limit the use of criminal background checks by landlords when screening potential tenants. The proposed legislation would prevent consumer reporting agencies from furnishing criminal history information commonly used in tenant screenings. Additionally, it aims to remove convictions older than seven years from consumer reports and establish a national standard for handling criminal information not included in these reports.
This bill faces an uphill battle in the Republican-controlled House. However, it highlights progressive priorities as the 2024 election cycle approaches, particularly amidst ongoing concerns about crime rates and debates surrounding criminal justice reform. Some cities, like one in California's San Francisco Bay Area, have already enacted similar measures, banning the consideration of criminal background checks for prospective renters and prohibiting landlords from discouraging applications from former felons.
Republicans have voiced opposition, asserting landlords' right to access such information. Representative Mike Garcia argued that this policy would worsen California's housing challenges, emphasizing property owners' need to know who they are renting to. Representative Jim Banks echoed this sentiment, comparing the bill to calls for defunding the police and criticizing the prioritization of "criminals over law-abiding citizens."
In contrast, Representative Tlaib emphasized the importance of restorative justice and dismantling systemic barriers faced by returning citizens seeking housing. Representative Pressley, a prison reform advocate, highlighted the need to address the "prison-to-homelessness pipeline" and affirmed housing as a fundamental human right, regardless of criminal record.
