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Meeting Public Comments

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SSB 1118
A bill for an act relating to court records for residential forcible entry and detainer actions.
Agenda
Subcommittee members: Taylor, J.-CH, De Witt, Quirmbach
Date: Wednesday, February 22, 2023
Time: 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Location: Room G15
Comments Submitted:
The purpose of comments is to provide information to members of the subcommittee.
Names and comments are public records. Remaining information is considered a confidential record.

02-22-2023
Courtney Guntly [Iowa Balance of State Continuum of Care]
The Iowa Balance of State Continuum of Care serves homeless individuals and families in 96 counties in Iowa and is in support of this legislation, as having an eviction on your record creates significant barriers to housing. Evictions contribute to the homeless population in Iowa; within the past month, an estimated 15% of those who accessed emergency housing services identified an eviction as a primary or secondary reason for their homelessness. For the past six months, the numbers are much the same: nearly 20% of heads of household identified eviction as a reason for their homelessness when enrolling in a housing program. Iowa currently has no process in place to seal or expunge an eviction filing that is old or has been made in error. A majority of eviction filings don't go to court or are rescinded, meaning an eviction will remain on your record and continue to be a possible deterrent to housing when applying for future housing opportunities. As evictions filings overwhelmingly affect women with children, people with disabilities, and people of color, this act would make progress in helping these populations to maintain safe housing. I urge you to support this legislation.