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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF THE COMMUNITY SAFETY THROUGH STABLE HOMES ACT
WHEREAS, according to the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) report "Fair Housing Implications of Nuisance and Crime-Free Ordinances: A Guide for Units of Local Government", 'crime-free' housing programs are formal partnerships between cities and housing providers that often require housing providers to evict tenants that are deemed connected to crimes; and
WHEREAS, the report goes on to note that these crime-free ordinances often require housing providers to deny housing, evict, fine, or penalize tenants for their connection to specific crimes or just "criminal activity" in general, and are often broadly written to prohibit activities such as the act of an arrest or simple calls for police service; and
WHEREAS, according to the ACLU of Illinois, these ordinances have been broadly written to apply even when the tenant was the victim of the crime or called the police for protection or assistance; and
WHEREAS, Illinois Public Media reports that these types of ordinances, such as one passed in the Village of Rantoul, can allow for the eviction of tenants even when the suspected criminal activity and/or calls for police service pertain to a guest of the tenant(s); and
WHEREAS, the IDHR'S report explains that crime-free housing programs often require landlords to evict tenants, utilize strict lease addendums, and conduct criminal background checks on tenants, even when these actions conflict with local human rights ordinances or other fair housing protections; and
WHEREAS, though these ordinances are often passed with the expressed intention of deterring criminal activity on rental properties, the ACLU of Illinois reports these ordinances are disproportionately enforced against Black people and other people of color, that they harm survivors of domestic and sexual violence who seek police protection, individuals with disabilities, and others...
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