Advocates at hearing push HB 6948 to limit housing penalties for criminal records; reentry groups stress link to homelessness

At the same public hearing, many witnesses urged support for HB 6948, a bill that would limit how and when landlords may consider criminal records in rental decisions. Speakers with lived experience and representatives from Smart Justice and legal-aid organizations described repeated denials and long-term barriers that keep formerly incarcerated people from stable housing.

Ramón Garcia, who works at a Hartford shelter, described being denied housing despite working two jobs and said housing barriers contributed to family instability. Robin Ledbetter and other formerly incarcerated speakers testified about long searches for housing and the need for individualized review processes. "Housing is a basic human right," testified Christopher Duis of ACLU Smart Justice. Advocates emphasized that HB 6948 delays background checks until after a conditional offer and narrows the types of convictions landlords may consider, while preserving landlord protections such as liability safeguards when renting to people with records.

Landlord and industry witnesses urged caution about broad restrictions, arguing they can create business risk and complicate screening. Supporters countered that stable housing reduces recidivism and that the bill includes measures such as individualized review and rehabilitation evidence to balance public-safety concerns.

Committee members asked about the scope of convictions covered, administrative burdens on landlords, and how the bill would interact with existing tenant-screening practices. Several advocates offered technical fixes and asked for funding to assist landlords who accept tenants with records (tax credits or state-backed insurance) to reduce perceived risk.

The committee did not take a vote; testimony will inform further drafting and any amendments.