An Act relative to background checks for individuals in Massachusetts housing programs

HD 2116 requires comprehensive background checks for all applicants to Massachusetts housing programs (including public housing, rental assistance, and transitional housing). The checks cover criminal history (state, federal, and international), employment, education, immigration status, financial history, and sex offender registry status. Applicants with recent violent crimes, sexual offenses, or fraud convictions (within 10 years) may be deemed ineligible, though exceptions for rehabilitation or compelling need are allowed. The law mandates secure data handling by housing agencies and the Registry of Motor Vehicles, ensuring compliance with privacy laws like GDPR.