IMMEDIATE ACTION NEEDED FOR PROPERTY MANAGERS/OWNERS:
HB3499 – This bill will add language requiring LIHTC properties only to conduct an individualized review of all criminal history records and the impact on the household’s suitability for admission. It requires defined criminal history screening policies that state that applicants with felony convictions may only be denied housing if an individualized review shows that the safety of residents and the property. This policy must include criteria for lookback periods, no blanket denials and procedures for individualized reviews. Many of our property management members have indicated that this bill is too subjective and may inadvertently lead to Fair Housing issues as it can not be consistently applied. This issue could also be more easily addressed through the OHFA rulemaking process rather than a state statute. This has passed the Senate Judiciary Committee and referred to the Senate Finance Committee. The Senate Finance Committee meets Monday, April 1st at 2:00pm. Click Here for committee link. An agenda has yet to post. Click Hereto view all members of the Senate Finance Committee. We recommend that you contact members of the Senate Finance Committee immediately to voice your concerns.
For those that are looking to take action, the best course is to have your staff contact every Senator on the Finance Committee by phone and/or email today. CLICK HERE for contact information for all the Senators (listed under the SENATE tab). Some submitted talking points are available here.
ADDITIONAL BILL UPDATES:
HB4018 – This bill will tweak the Oklahoma Affordable Housing Act to more closely mirror the allocation of federal LIHTCs. Any unused credits at year end may be rolled over to the following year and any returned credits may be reallocated. This is a revenue neutral item.
This bill has passed Committee and will be referred to the Senate Floor.
Please contact your Senator and request they VOTE YES ON HB4018.
