This bill mandates that housing authorities and the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) allow nonviolent ex-offenders to temporarily reside with family members in subsidized housing projects. It defines a "nonviolent ex-offender" as someone who has been incarcerated within the last 12 months and has not been convicted of certain violent crimes, including those that require lifetime registration as a sex offender or involve the production of methamphetamine in federally assisted housing. The bill specifies that a housing authority cannot prohibit such individuals from moving into a housing project for a period of up to six months.

Additionally, the bill amends the "Fair Chance in Housing Act" to prevent housing authorities from withdrawing conditional offers based on the criminal records of an applicant's family members. It also reinforces the stipulation that nonviolent ex-offenders can reside in rental units for six months or less without facing restrictions. The bill aims to support reintegration efforts for nonviolent ex-offenders while ensuring they have access to stable housing with family support. The provisions of this bill will take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 46:8-56, 52:27D-287.1