WILKINSBURG, PA — A gathering of Pennsylvanian Democratic lawmakers, including state Senator Katie Muth and Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa, among others, convened a public hearing on Thursday. This assembly, hosted at the Wilkinsburg Borough Building, aimed to discuss the prospects of introducing a statewide policy to seal eviction records.
This significant legislative step comes in the wake of concerns regarding the impact of evictions on state residents. With fairness and affordability of housing at the core of the discussion, the policymakers also delved into the legal implications of retaining unsealed eviction records.
“Eviction sealing is an avenue for individuals to begin anew,” noted Senator Muth. She added, “It provides the opportunity for residents to learn from past experiences and progress without the fear of previous evictions blocking their path to secure, affordable housing.”
In a bid to champion this cause, several Senate Democrats are investing time and resources to draft a companion bill to House Bill 1769. Once passed, this bill will establish procedures for limited access to eviction records, allowing courts to seal the eviction case files unless a renter loses a case.
Senate Democrats believe that this evolving landscape of legislative support will alleviate the burden on struggling families. They aim to provide every Pennsylvanian with safe and affordable homes, a commitment affirmed by Senator Costa.
Research from PolicyLink and Community Legal Services of Philadelphia indicates that eviction records can severely impact a resident’s credit score and future housing opportunities. In fact, it often drives individuals towards unsafe housing or, in worse cases, homelessness.
Senator Nikil Saval, Minority Chair of the Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee, stressed the profound impact of eviction filings. He stated that such filings not only disrupt access to safe housing but also impede employment and education opportunities, fracturing community connections.
This proposed policy comes in a year when Philadelphia enacted the Renters’ Access Act, restricting landlords from using eviction court records when deciding rental agreements. There has been a growing trend across the nation, with 15 states already putting policies into place, either sealing eviction records or limiting landlords’ screening scope.
The fight against rising housing costs in Pennsylvania is a daunting one, with rising numbers of residents struggling to secure affordable, safe homes. This struggle is further compounded by eviction records, especially those labeled ‘no-fault’, which remain permanent on a tenant’s records.
During the hearing, it came to light that eviction records disproportionately affect certain communities, including households of color, people with disabilities, and women. Black women with small children have been found to experience eviction filings more than any other demographic group, according to testimony provided by Community Legal Services of Philadelphia attorney Holly Beck.
In her concluding remarks, Senator Lindsey Williams expressed gratitude to the panelists and reiterated the need for a statewide eviction sealing policy. She added, “An eviction filing can significantly impair a person’s ability to secure housing for the rest of their lives, even if that filing is without merit or is dismissed.”
The hearing marked an ambitious leap towards housing justice for all Pennsylvanians, a commitment that resonates not only with the citizens of the state but also echoes across the United States.
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