Stories Related to Background Checks
Indiana HB 1214 Would Expunge Qualifying Evictions
Indiana is currently working on a bill, HB 1214, which would significantly help those denied housing due to past eviction records. HB 1214 would allow people to request expunctions for eviction filings in situations where the case was dismissed, the judgement ended up in their favor, or the landlord took no action within 180 days of the filing.
Rommy Kassim
2/14/2022
Ann Arbor, Michigan Bans Criminal Background Checks of Renters
Ann Arbor, Michigan, is making strides to ensure everyone has a chance to obtain decent housing by banning the criminal background checks of renters, which will expand housing opportunities to those returning to society after recent incarceration.
Rommy Kassim
11/12/2021
Illinois Bans Police Officers From Conducting Background Checks On People Attending Public Meetings
Citizens voicing their opinions at public meetings is an important part of our democracy. What is equally important, one could argue, is that law enforcement does now abuse their power and violate the privacy of these speakers in retaliation.
Rommy Kassim
9/7/2021
Kansas City Mayor Wants To Ban Pre-Employment Drug Testing For Most City Government Positions
Mayor Quinton Lucas (D) recently introduced a proposed ordinance that would eliminate pre-employment marijuana testing for most city government positions, with exceptions where the "employee could significantly impact the health or safety of other employees or members of the public."
Rommy Kassim
8/14/2021
Virginia Removes Criminal Record Checkboxes From State College Applications
Beginning January 1, 2022, state university and college applications in Virginia will become a little less intimidating for many potential students. The new House Bill 1930 signed by Governor Ralph Northam prohibits Virginia-based colleges from including a criminal background checkbox on applications.
Rommy Kassim
7/11/2021
New Jersey Law Eliminates Criminal Conviction Questions On Rental Applications
Criminal convictions can pose a threat to finding housing for many renters. Fortunately, wiith the new Fair Chance in Housing Act, New Jersey renters can rest assured landlords will no longer be able to ask criminal history questions on rental applications.
Rommy Kassim
7/9/2021