Sen. Kamala Harris and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez are teaming up to introduce legislation aimed at making it easier for people with criminal records to obtain federal housing assistance.
The bill, called the “Fair Chance at Housing Act,” pledges to change eviction and screening policies in housing so people with a criminal history can apply for federal housing assistance. The lawmakers are expected to introduce the bill today in their respective chambers.
“As our country continues working toward much-needed reform of our criminal justice system, I am proud to work with Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez to ensure formerly incarcerated individuals and their families have access to safe and affordable housing as they transition back into their community,” Harris, a 2020 Democratic presidential candidate, said in a statement.
The bill has the backing of the NAACP, the National Low Income Housing Coalition and the National Housing Law Project.
