Bill H.756 aims to enhance landlord responsibilities and penalties related to criminal activities, particularly human trafficking, within residential rental agreements. Key provisions include requiring landlords to notify relevant housing authorities within 48 hours after issuing a termination notice to tenants receiving housing assistance and to report suspected human trafficking to law enforcement as soon as practicable. The bill reduces the notice period for terminating a rental agreement due to criminal activity, illegal drug activity, human trafficking, or acts of violence from 14 days to seven days. Additionally, it mandates that defendants respond to ejectment complaints within five business days and allows for expedited hearings in cases involving suspected criminal activity.

The bill also increases penalties for human trafficking violations and for knowingly permitting the sale of regulated drugs in a dwelling or within 500 feet of a dwelling, raising the maximum prison sentence to 10 years and fines to $500,000. Furthermore, it establishes a landlord assistance program within the Department of Housing and Community Development to provide resources and financial reimbursement to landlords for legal costs associated with tenant termination due to human trafficking violations. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, with an appropriation of $2,000,000 allocated for the landlord assistance program in fiscal year 2027.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 9-4457, 9-4467, 12-4852, 13-2659, 18-4252