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H.201 introduced to bar categorical exclusions for people with criminal records in housing and employment
Summary
Representatives introduced H.201 to prohibit discrimination based solely on criminal history in employment, housing and public accommodations; the bill preserves exceptions for jobs where a conviction is legally disqualifying or substantially related to the position.
Representative Troy Hedrick (cosponsor) explained H.201, carried by Representative Rachel Sanning (absent, expecting a grandchild), which would prohibit categorical discrimination based on criminal history in employment, housing and public accommodations.
The bill would require individualized consideration of an applicant’s criminal history and would not prevent employers or landlords from making lawful, narrowly tailored exclusions where a conviction is legally disqualifying or substantially related to the position or tenancy. Hedrick said the measure is intended to support rehabilitation and reduce barriers to housing and employment that can increase recidivism.
No committee vote occurred; H.201 was introduced and set for future discussion. The sponsor urged members to consider nuanced statutory language and the interplay with federal or other state laws that already bar hiring in limited circumstances.
Ending H.201 was introduced; committee staff will schedule follow‑up testimony and stakeholder comment at a later date.
