Bill > A01617

This bill aims to protect potential tenants with criminal histories by implementing several key provisions across different areas of New York law. First, it prohibits landlords from denying a rental application based solely on a potential tenant's criminal history, effectively preventing blanket discrimination against individuals with past criminal records. For public housing and rental subsidies, the bill requires the state commissioner to establish new rules that restrict how criminal history can be used in housing applications. These rules include prohibiting inquiries about criminal history before determining an applicant's initial eligibility, developing strict criteria that only allow denials for criminal records directly related to public safety, preventing the consideration of sealed criminal records, and establishing an appeals process for rejected applications. The bill also makes technical amendments to existing administrative codes, ensuring that these protections are integrated into New York's existing legal framework. These changes aim to provide individuals with criminal histories a more fair and equitable opportunity to secure housing, recognizing that past criminal records should not automatically disqualify someone from finding a place to live. The bill will take effect 120 days after becoming law, allowing time for implementation and regulatory preparation.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A1617