The Legal Defense Fund released a statement late last week applauding the Maryland General Assembly for passing two new fair housing acts.
In their latest session, the state’s General Assembly approved the Fair Chance Housing Act as well as the Fair Housing and Housing Discrimination – Regulations, Intent and Discriminatory Effect. Both acts now move forward to the desk of Governor Wes Moore, where they will be signed into law. Sponsored by Senator Shaneka Henson and supported by Senate President Bill Ferguson, among others, the Maryland Fair Chance Housing Act works to make housing more equitable, particularly when it comes to background checks.
The Act postpones housing checks until after an offer is made throughout the screening process to ensure that the applicant’s conviction history is not a factor in the landlords’ decisions to rent. Specific types of convictions within a specific timeframe will be considered. If denied, the applicant will be given the opportunity to present evidence of rehabilitation to the landlords.
Similarly, the Fair Housing and Housing Discrimination – Regulations, Intent and Discriminatory Effect improves fair housing laws by advocating for the inclusion of disparate-impact discrimination in state law. Disparate impact discrimination refers to policies that unjustly discriminate against Black families and other protected groups.
“The state of Maryland took a major step in opening doors to affordable housing for countless people across the state,” said LDF Assistant Policy Counsel, David Wheaton, per a statement. “We know that these pieces of legislation will have a tangible, positive impact on the lives of so many Black Maryland residents who face rampant discrimination and barriers to accessing housing in the state. This historic win would not have been possible without the advocacy, support, and deep commitment of community partners and social justice organizations.”
In Maryland, the rate of homeownership for Black and Hispanic residents is significantly lower than that of white residents. As of the latest data, only 45% of Black households own their homes, while nearly 75% of white households do.
Of all residents, Black and Hispanic residents in Maryland are disproportionately affected by housing costs. In general, over half of Black residents forced to rent are cost-burdened, while 30% of Black owners are also cost-burdened.
Maryland authorities predict that the homeownership rate will decline. Per AARP, current trends claim that the number of renters aged 65 and above will increase to 12.9 million in 2040 with a significant growth amongst Black residents. By 2030, only 28% of Maryland households will be composed of Black families.
The latest acts that will be passed into law will ensure that housing is accessible for all residents by removing barriers.
“As we commemorate the 58th anniversary of the federal Fair Housing Act, these landmark pieces of legislation remind us that strong fair housing laws and practices are deeply necessary to ensure our communities have a roof over their head in a neighborhood of their choice,” said Director of Policy at LDF, Demetria McCain, per a statement. “We applaud the Maryland General Assembly and Governor Wes Moore for safeguarding the public’s fair housing rights in this way.”
