Fair Housing is a Justice Issue: Support the Fair Future Act

One of the biggest challenges for formerly incarcerated individuals is finding affordable, stable housing. The 1988 Thurmond Amendment makes this even harder by allowing property owners to discriminate against applicants with drug convictions—regardless of how long ago the conviction occurred or whether the individual has already served their time.

When housing providers can consider criminal history, individuals with drug convictions are often the first to be denied, regardless of their ability to pay rent or maintain stable housing. This means even those who have rehabilitated may never get a fair shot at securing housing, because landlords refuse to give them a chance.

This must end. Sign the petition to pass the Fair Future Act and repeal the Thurmond Amendment.

Stable housing is one of the most effective ways to prevent recidivism.

The Returning Home Ohio Project found that those with housing assistance were 40% less likely to be rearrested.
In Hayward, CA, only 9.6% of participants in a housing program returned to prison—compared to the usual 68% within three years.

Repealing this excessively punitive policy would help rehabilitated individuals access housing, promote successful reintegration, and reduce recidivism.

The Thurmond Amendment amounts to state-sanctioned discrimination, leaving hundreds of thousands of Americans with the threat of housing instability or homelessness due to the whims of a landlord. It should be unlawful, and it is definitely un-American. The time to act is now. Sign the petition and urge Congress to pass the Fair Future Act today.

Tell your congressperson to vote YES on the Fair Future Act.

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Dear Legislator,

I am writing to urge you to support and advocate for the passage of the Fair Future Act, which seeks to repeal the discriminatory provisions of the 1988 Thurmond Amendment. This amendment allows property owners to deny housing to individuals with past drug convictions, even if the conviction occurred years or decades ago, and regardless of whether the person has already served their sentence and rehabilitated.

As you may know, finding stable housing is one of the biggest challenges faced by formerly incarcerated individuals, and the Thurmond Amendment only exacerbates this issue. When landlords are allowed to consider criminal history during background checks, individuals with past drug convictions are often the first to be denied housing, even if they fit all other qualifications or are able to pay rent. This systemic barrier leaves many with few options but to return to unstable living situations, increasing their likelihood of reoffending and re-entering the criminal justice system.

By passing the Fair Future Act and repealing the Thurmond Amendment, we would be taking a crucial step toward ensuring formerly incarcerated individuals have the opportunity to rebuild their lives. Housing discrimination against individuals with past drug convictions is unjust, discriminatory, and counterproductive to public safety and rehabilitation.

As your constituent, I urge you to support this important legislation to provide formerly incarcerated individuals with the fair chance they deserve to rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your support on this critical issue.