Bill > SB274

This bill amends Oklahoma law to establish more comprehensive guidelines for criminal history screening in housing for properties receiving certain tax credits. Starting January 1, 2026, property owners must develop a detailed criminal history screening policy that includes an individualized review process for prospective tenants with criminal records. The policy must consider factors such as the severity of past offenses, the applicant's age at the time of the offense, time since the offense, evidence of rehabilitation, and the relevance of the offense to being a good tenant. Owners cannot use blanket statements like "Any applicants with criminal convictions will be denied" and must allow applicants an opportunity to provide mitigating evidence during the review. The policy must specify how long past criminal records will be considered and establish a fair review procedure. The Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency will be responsible for reviewing these tenant selection plans during compliance monitoring and providing guidance to property owners. The bill builds upon existing law that already allowed property owners to consider felony convictions in lease agreements, but now requires a more nuanced and individualized approach to criminal history screening. The new provisions will apply to properties receiving income tax credits under specific federal and state provisions, aiming to balance property safety with fair housing opportunities.

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http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=sb274&Session=2500