Bill > HB1492

This bill establishes new regulations for how housing providers can use criminal records when screening potential tenants, primarily focusing on drug trafficking offenses. The legislation requires housing providers to conduct individualized assessments of applicants' criminal backgrounds, considering factors such as the nature and severity of the offense, the applicant's age at the time, time elapsed since the offense, evidence of rehabilitation, and potential safety impacts. Housing providers are prohibited from considering certain types of criminal records, including arrests that did not result in convictions, expunged convictions, and juvenile records. The bill mandates that housing providers apply screening standards in a non-discriminatory manner and provides a process for applicants to challenge or provide additional context about their criminal records. If a housing provider decides to withdraw a housing offer based on a criminal record, they must provide written notice and an opportunity to appeal. The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission is tasked with overseeing compliance, investigating complaints, and can impose monetary penalties ranging from $500 to $10,000 for violations, depending on the housing provider's history of infractions. The law provides some civil immunity for housing providers who rent to individuals with certain criminal records and does not apply to providers with 10 or fewer rental units. The bill will take effect six months after passage.

Budget and Finance, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1492