To create a database of eviction information, establish grant programs for eviction prevention and legal aid, and limit use of housing court-related records in consumer reports, and for other purposes.

Plain-English Summary

This bill would create a national database to track eviction cases across the country, giving researchers, policymakers, and housing advocates access to better information about where evictions are happening and why. The goal is to build a clearer picture of eviction trends so that government and community organizations can respond more effectively to housing instability.

The bill also establishes new grant programs to help fund two types of services: eviction prevention programs and legal aid assistance. Eviction prevention grants would support efforts to help renters and landlords resolve disputes or financial hardships before they reach the point of an eviction filing. Legal aid grants would help provide renters — many of whom currently face eviction proceedings without any legal representation — with access to lawyers or legal guidance during housing court cases.

A significant part of the bill focuses on limiting how eviction-related court records can be used in consumer reports, such as background checks or tenant screening reports. Currently, even if someone wins their eviction case or has it dismissed, those court records can still appear on background checks and make it difficult to find future housing. This bill would restrict when and how that information can be reported, which would primarily benefit renters who have been involved in housing court proceedings, including those who were never actually evicted.

Overall, the bill would affect renters facing housing instability, landlords, legal aid organizations, housing courts, and the companies that provide tenant screening services. It represents a broad approach to the eviction issue, addressing data collection, financial assistance, legal support, and consumer reporting practices all within a single piece of legislation.