This bill introduces new grounds for eviction under the landlord and tenant statute, specifically allowing landlords to evict tenants who use someone else's personal information to secure a rental or who have certain criminal convictions, such as improper entry as a non-citizen or offenses requiring registration as a sexual offender or offender against children. However, it stipulates that landlords cannot use any conviction disclosed in writing before the tenancy began as a basis for eviction. Additionally, eviction proceedings must name only the individuals alleged to have violated these provisions, excluding other household members from being named as defendants. The effective date for these changes is set for January 1, 2027.

Furthermore, the bill empowers school boards to raise the eligibility threshold for free meals to 200% of the federal poverty level and mandates the Department of Education to reimburse schools that implement this change. It allocates $107,000 for administrative assistance and $250,000 for meal reimbursements and software purchases related to the online application process for free or reduced-price meals. The Department of Education estimates that the potential reimbursement costs for the increased meal eligibility could reach approximately $6.9 million, although the actual fiscal impact at the local level remains indeterminable. Overall, the bill aims to enhance tenant protections and improve access to nutrition for students from low-income households.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 540:2
As Amended by the House: 540:2
As Amended by the Senate: 540:2
As Amended by the Senate (2nd): 540:2, 189:11-a
HB1499 text: 540:2