Montgomery County has taken a significant step toward promoting fair housing by adopting a new bill that strengthens compliance with "ban the box" regulations during the rental application process. This legislation aims to eliminate discrimination against individuals with minor criminal histories, ensuring they are not unfairly turned away from housing opportunities. Councilmember Laurie-Anne Sayles, the bill's lead sponsor, emphasized the importance of this measure in repairing historical injustices faced by marginalized communities. Key provisions of the bill prohibit landlords from inquiring about arrest records that did not lead to convictions, as well as certain minor offenses, including misdemeanor theft and public urination. Additionally, landlords cannot ask about convictions older than two years or those that have been expunged. The bill also reinforces the 2021 Housing Justice Act, which restricts criminal background checks before rental offers are made. To support enforcement, the county will hire two full-time employees at the Office of Human Rights.
Read the full article here.