(TRENTON) – Assemblyman Benjie E. Wimberly (D-Bergen, Passaic) has issued the following statement after the state’s Division on Civil Rights issued 25 notices of violation to housing providers for failure to comply with the Fair Chance in Housing Act:

“As the sponsor of the Fair Chance in Housing Act (A1919), signed into law in June 2021, I am committed to ensuring its full enforcement. Housing is a basic human right, and I proudly stand by the legislation, which was a collaborative effort with Fair Share Housing Center, Reverend Eric Dobson, and many partners across the state. The law prohibits housing providers from inquiring about a prospective tenant’s criminal history and forbids publishing discriminatory ads barring individuals with criminal records from applying.

“It is unconscionable that in 2024, people are still being denied housing due to their race, perceived character, or employment status. Recent violations issued by the Attorney General’s Division on Civil Rights to 25 landlords remind us that now is the time to act and hold these housing providers accountable. Housing is a cornerstone of stability, safety, and dignity. To deter crime, we must commit to providing our residents with access to their basic needs, safe and secure housing is a priority.

“Housing is not just a commodity. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs teaches us that without fundamental human necessities like shelter, people are unlikely to focus or commit to higher-level goals such as building community, self-actualization or contributing meaningfully to their communities when our essential needs are unstable or conditional.

“Who are we, as a society, if we deny any resident access to essential needs? If individuals can be denied housing in our state after serving their time or while actively pursuing honest employment, what options are left for them? Don’t we all deserve the right to feel safe and secure in our homes? This fundamental right should not be a privilege for a select few but guaranteed for all.

“As we work with organizations like Fair Share Housing Center and dedicated advocates in our district and state, my commitment to ensuring equal housing rights will not falter. It’s time to ensure every resident is treated with dignity and fairness, because when we protect housing rights, we protect the foundation of our communities. If rent is due, housing justice is owed not earned.”