Bill 824 Aims to Transform Housing Access for Ex-Offenders
June 19, 2024 | Montgomery County, Maryland
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In a recent Montgomery County Council meeting, discussions centered around Bill 824, aimed at enhancing housing access for individuals with criminal records. The proposed legislation seeks to amend existing laws regarding discrimination in housing and landlord-tenant affairs, requiring landlords to post notices about the unlawful use of criminal records in rental decisions and to include criminal and credit screening information in their annual housing surveys.
Advocates for the bill, including representatives from the Montgomery County Women's Democratic Club and CASA, emphasized the urgent need for reforms to combat homelessness and racial disparities in housing access. Tazeen Ahmad, president of the Women's Democratic Club, highlighted that individuals with criminal records face significant barriers to securing housing, which disproportionately affects women and families. She noted that the bill aims to reduce homelessness among formerly incarcerated individuals, who are ten times more likely to experience homelessness than the general population.
Joe Shifrin, a resident of District 1, echoed these sentiments, pointing out that while the Housing Justice Act of 2021 was a step forward, it lacked enforcement mechanisms to ensure that applicants were informed of their rights. He argued that Bill 824 would address these deficiencies and provide a fair chance for those seeking to reintegrate into society.
Nipah Amador, a policy analyst at CASA, reinforced the bill's importance in dismantling systemic barriers faced by individuals with criminal records, particularly among communities of color. She urged the council to ensure that the legislation includes adequate language access to inform all residents of their rights.
The council has scheduled a work session for further discussion on Bill 824 on July 15, 2024, with a deadline for public submissions set for July 8, 2024. The meeting concluded with a brief mention of another bill concerning veteran-owned business preference points, which will be discussed in a separate session.
Advocates for the bill, including representatives from the Montgomery County Women's Democratic Club and CASA, emphasized the urgent need for reforms to combat homelessness and racial disparities in housing access. Tazeen Ahmad, president of the Women's Democratic Club, highlighted that individuals with criminal records face significant barriers to securing housing, which disproportionately affects women and families. She noted that the bill aims to reduce homelessness among formerly incarcerated individuals, who are ten times more likely to experience homelessness than the general population.
Joe Shifrin, a resident of District 1, echoed these sentiments, pointing out that while the Housing Justice Act of 2021 was a step forward, it lacked enforcement mechanisms to ensure that applicants were informed of their rights. He argued that Bill 824 would address these deficiencies and provide a fair chance for those seeking to reintegrate into society.
Nipah Amador, a policy analyst at CASA, reinforced the bill's importance in dismantling systemic barriers faced by individuals with criminal records, particularly among communities of color. She urged the council to ensure that the legislation includes adequate language access to inform all residents of their rights.
The council has scheduled a work session for further discussion on Bill 824 on July 15, 2024, with a deadline for public submissions set for July 8, 2024. The meeting concluded with a brief mention of another bill concerning veteran-owned business preference points, which will be discussed in a separate session.
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