Bill > SF2629

This bill establishes the Minnesota Fair Chance Access to Housing Act, which aims to reduce housing discrimination based on criminal records. The law prohibits landlords from advertising that they will automatically deny applications based on criminal history and requires them to disclose upfront whether criminal background checks are part of their screening process. Initially, landlords can only evaluate an applicant's standard criteria like income and rental history, not their criminal record. After an applicant passes initial screening and receives a conditional offer, the landlord may then examine specific criminal records, but only for serious offenses like arson, human trafficking, and certain sexual crimes, or felony convictions within the past year. If a landlord decides to withdraw the conditional offer based on criminal history, they must conduct an individualized assessment, considering factors like the nature of the offense, time elapsed, rehabilitation efforts, and potential safety impacts. The landlord must provide written notification of the withdrawal, return any application fees, and allow the applicant to provide mitigating evidence. The bill includes provisions for enforcement, with the human rights commissioner empowered to investigate violations and impose graduated financial penalties based on the size of the rental property. Small, owner-occupied buildings are exempt from these requirements. Importantly, landlords who follow these guidelines are granted immunity from civil liability related to renting to individuals with criminal records.

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https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF2629&ssn=0&y=2025