House Bill No. by Representative Marcelle introduces the "Fair Chance in Housing Act," which aims to enhance the rights of applicants seeking to lease residential property. The bill mandates that housing providers disclose specific information regarding the consideration of an applicant's criminal history before accepting any application fee. This includes a statement about the review process, the types of crimes that may affect eligibility, and the opportunity for applicants to present evidence of inaccuracies or rehabilitation. Additionally, the bill stipulates that housing providers must refund the application fee if they fail to comply with these disclosure requirements.

The legislation also limits the liability of housing providers in certain situations, such as when a lessee with a criminal record complies with the disclosure requirements or when a provider chooses not to conduct a criminal background check. Furthermore, it allows courts to award applicants costs associated with the application fee and potential attorney fees if a housing provider does not adhere to the outlined provisions. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.