HB 1095 Advances Out of Committee – A Big Step Forward for Sealing Eviction Records
| We are excited to share that the PA House Committee on Housing and Community Development voted 23-3 on Monday, May 5th to pass HB 1095 out of committee. HB 1095, known as Fair Housing Access: Sealing Eviction Records to Protect Tenants & Communities, seeks to seal eviction records to provide renters a second chance at stable housing. You can read the full co-sponsorship memo here. The strong bipartisan support is a promising sign as we look ahead to a vote on the House floor. Why does this matter? Eviction filings stay on public records indefinitely, unlike credit reports and bankruptcy filings, which clear after 7 years. This can severely limit housing options for renters who fell behind on rent but did not engage in harmful behavior. This legislation seeks to seal lifetime public access to eviction records after seven years, giving renter households a second chance and more neighborhood choices. Despite having the lowest unemployment rate in 47 years, over 1 million Pennsylvanians work in jobs that don’t pay enough to cover basic needs – even when working full-time. Jobs like nursing home aides, grocery store clerks, and child care assistants that are vital to the well-being of our communities often pay too little to keep families housed. Twenty other states have recognized the need for second chances by passing legislation to seal eviction records and help families recover from past setbacks. It’s time for Pennsylvania to do the same. Learn more here. Let’s keep the momentum going as HB 1095 moves to the House floor. Stay tuned for updates, and let’s continue pushing for the second chance all Pennsylvania families deserve. In partnership, Phyllis Chamberlain Executive Director |