Comments Document

Please support HB1207! This bill will provide a means to address another collateral consequence of criminal arrests and convictions in Virginia for persons seeking rental housing, but are being denied solely based on a past criminal history record. Similar to the "ban-the-box" movement in Virginia that aided persons with criminal histories to have a better chance at obtaining employment. And SB 124 in 2020 when the VA General Assembly changed the law dealing with eligibilty for food stamps and TANF for drug related felonies. Removing this practice has substantially aided many citizens with these types of infractions on their record sucesfully re-enter society and not recidivate. This measure mirrors HUD's efforts dealing with their housing providers by developing a model criminal history screening process for the state's funded housing providers, so persons are not automatically denied housing ...adding to the number of unhoused/homeless persons in Virginia, and through frustrations, possible breaking parole and recidivating.

I am privileged to offer my support for HB1207, introduced by Del. Hayes. As a Portsmouth native and current resident, I have witnessed the challenges that some formerly incarcerated citizens face in my city leading many to survive unhoused. This bill could help remove some of the barriers to housing. Shelter is such a basic human need and having model policies that support fair housing will make a positive difference for so many people. Thanks for your attention and your support for HB1207.

I am writing on behalf of the VSC NAACP Housing Committee to express our strong support for the bills highlighted below that aim to enhance tenant protections and rights within our community. These proposed measures are crucial steps toward addressing the existing power imbalance between renters and landlords, which places renters at an elevated risk of housing instability, harassment, and homelessness. As you are aware, the disparity in power between renters and landlords is a significant concern that has far-reaching implications, particularly for marginalized communities. This power imbalance not only jeopardizes housing stability but also perpetuates racial inequity. Numerous studies have shown that communities of color are disproportionately affected by eviction and housing instability, exacerbating existing disparities. Tenant protections, when enacted into law, serve as a fundamental tool in preventing evictions and ensuring that renters can maintain stable housing. We firmly believe that these proposed bills, with their emphasis on enhancing tenant rights, will contribute significantly to rectifying the current imbalances and fostering a more equitable housing landscape. By supporting and advancing these bills, we collectively acknowledge the importance of safeguarding vulnerable renters, promoting housing stability, and working towards a more just and inclusive society. We urge you to consider the broader impact that these legislative measures can have on our community and to cast your support in favor of their passage. Thank you for your attention to this matter. We appreciate your dedication to serving the interests of our community and trust that you will carefully consider the positive impact that these bills can have on the lives of countless individuals and pass them accordingly. Sincerely, Tracey Hardney Scott Housing Committee Chair VSC NAACP Housing Committee

Good afternoon, I write to urge your support for the passage of House Bill 1207. It was introduced by Delegate Hayes, to ensure that individuals with previous felony convictions can obtain rental housing. Homelessness is an issue throughout our nation. The ordinary screening of rental applicants remains difficult enough providing required credit checks, deposits, and character references. For many that have prior felonies, that process is further complicated as they reenter the community after serving their sentences. It is not beneficial or just to those who have successfully paid fines and are working as tax paying citizens. The quest for adequate housing is important for multiple reasons. Unnecessary barriers for adequate shelter give the impression that changed behaviors are not enough as contributing members of society. It is important to understand that when an individual has made strides to reform their previous lives that we do not place barriers that could potentially cause them to cease moving forward. Sometimes enough of those setbacks lead to them being incarcerated again. Thank you, Delegates, for your attention to House Bill 1207 and hopeful passage of it. Best regards, Jacqueline Elliott

I am in support of HB1207 being passed by the General Assembly. A prior commenter, Izzard, provided a detailed accounting of their experience in the rental market. I have heard so many stories similar to this over the years. So many times, potential tenants never get told what was the reason for a denial based on a background check. These checks are also representative of the systemic racism that is so ingrained in so many processes and protocols. The sooner HUD and DHCD can get a model policy up and going, the sooner more folks can find housing options. With this bill in place, so many more Virginians will not have to "couch surf", put families at risk for providing housing, or have them present to the Continuums of Care as homeless. Please pass HB1207.

I strongly support HB1207 for the following reasons: As a citizen and taxpayer of the commonwealth of Virginia, who has an old criminal conviction, but had my civil rights restored and my ability to own a gun, yet I have been discriminated against "multiple times" when trying to secure housing. At the cost of approximately $30 per application, last year I spent at least $300 on 10 applications for rental housing, only to be turned down due to the criminal history check. I work everyday, have a decent credit reference, and have not had an infraction in almost 2-decades, yet I continue to be frustrated in my attempts to secure housing. This makes no sense, and I am certain I am not the only person who has had and is experiencing this problem. If this commonwealth is truly interested in reducing recidivism, then addressing this problem with this bill would go a long way to curb the number of unhoused persons, and those who become frustrated and give up trying to successfully reintergrate into society due to the constant hurdles placed in our way. Please support HB1207. Thank you