CT SB00109

Commissioner of Housing must adopt regulations by January 1, 2021, establishing a limited lookback period for landlords to consider prospective tenants' criminal records: not more than 7 years for felonies and not more than 3 years for misdemeanors.

Landlords and their agents who rent to tenants in compliance with these regulations receive immunity from civil liability for any subsequent criminal acts by the tenant, except where the landlord was a conspirator, accomplice, or otherwise complicit in the criminal act.

Housing authorities determining eligibility for public housing must apply the same time period limitations and consider criminal history only for crimes of violence, drug-related offenses, or other acts affecting health and safety of other residents.

Housing authorities must evaluate rehabilitation evidence, willingness to participate in counseling programs, and other factors indicating favorable future conduct when reviewing criminal history.

Section 1 becomes effective October 1, 2020; Section 2 (amending public housing authority regulations) becomes effective January 1, 2021.