This bill amends the "Fair Chance in Housing Act" to clarify that counties and municipalities that directly rent residential units to tenants are not considered "housing providers" under the act. The new legal language specifies that the term "housing provider" excludes county or municipal entities, thereby resolving existing disputes regarding the applicability of the act to these government bodies. Additionally, the definition of "rental dwelling unit" is updated to exclude any dwelling unit rented by a county or municipality.

The intent of the "Fair Chance in Housing Act," enacted in 2021, was to enhance housing rights for individuals with criminal records, aiming to improve their access to safe and affordable housing while reducing recidivism. By explicitly stating that the act does not apply to county or municipal landlords, this bill seeks to eliminate ambiguity and ensure that local governments are not subject to the same regulations as private landlords when it comes to renting residential properties. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 46:8-54