CT SB00054

Commissioner of Housing shall adopt regulations by January 1, 2020, establishing a limited time period immediately preceding a rental application during which landlords may consider a prospective tenant's criminal record for housing evaluation purposes.

Landlords and their agents who rent to tenants in compliance with the adopted regulations receive immunity from civil liability for damages or injuries from subsequent criminal acts by that tenant, unless the landlord was a conspirator, accomplice, or complicit in the criminal act.

Housing authorities may consider applicant criminal history during the Commissioner-established time period involving crimes of physical violence, controlled substance offenses, or other criminal acts adversely affecting tenant health, safety, or welfare.

Housing authorities may also consider alcohol abuse patterns and applicants subject to lifetime sex offender registration requirements under section 54-252.

Housing authorities must evaluate criminal conduct considering time, nature, extent of conduct, and mitigating factors including evidence of rehabilitation and participation in counseling or social service programs.