Bill > S02035

This bill requires landlords of multiple dwellings, or apartment buildings, to check the state's sex offender registry, which is maintained by the division of criminal justice services, for any new tenant, subtenant, or adult occupant within sixty days of them moving in. If a new occupant is found to be a "level three sex offender," which is the highest risk category, the landlord must then notify existing tenants who have children under the age of sixteen, regardless of whether the children permanently reside there or just visit. Landlords are also required to include a notice in all leases informing tenants about these new requirements. Importantly, landlords are protected from civil or criminal liability for any decision to share or not share this information, unless it can be proven they acted with gross negligence or in bad faith. This law will take effect 120 days after it becomes law and will apply to leases signed on or after that date.