HOUSE JOINT MEMORIAL 12

49th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2009

INTRODUCED BY

Gail Chasey

A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO ELIMINATE BARRIERS TO PUBLIC HOUSING FOR CONVICTED FELONS AND CERTAIN MISDEMEANANTS.

     WHEREAS, persons who have had criminal arrest, conviction and extended periods of incarceration experience many collateral or indirect consequences as a result of their conviction and incarceration; and

     WHEREAS, these consequences result in the inability of convicted felons and certain misdemeanants to reenter society and establish fruitful lives after they have served their time; and

     WHEREAS, one of the most egregious of these consequences is a provision of federal law that bars many convicted felons and certain misdemeanants from public housing and federally assisted housing programs; and

     WHEREAS, the private housing market is not an option for many released felons and misdemeanants due to lack of financial resources and an inability to produce personal references necessary to compete and secure housing in the private market; and

     WHEREAS, a basic and immediate need of released felons and misdemeanants is the need to find a place to live; and

     WHEREAS, released felons and misdemeanants who are unable to find a place to live are at higher risk of homelessness, relapse and recidivism;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the members of the New Mexico congressional delegation be requested to support and promote measures to eliminate barriers to public housing for convicted felons and certain misdemeanants; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the New Mexico congressional delegation.

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