CT HB05713

Prohibits housing providers from denying rental applications based on criminal records, except for misdemeanors within 3 years prior or felonies within 10 years prior to application.

Allows consideration only of convictions for crimes of violence, illegal drug manufacture/distribution, certain sexual offenses, and violations of section 53-21 if repeated, they would adversely affect health, safety, or welfare of other tenants.

Requires housing providers to notify applicants in writing before denying applications and allow applicants to present mitigating evidence including rehabilitation, good tenant history, age at offense, and time elapsed since conviction.

Prohibits use of arrest records, charges without conviction, or erased convictions as basis for rejection; requires written rejection notices by registered mail with specific reasons stated.

Exempts public housing applicants with methamphetamine production convictions on federally-assisted housing premises and those subject to lifetime sexual offender registration; effective October 1, 2019.