When I was a single mom, working two jobs, I never imagined how close I was to homelessness. Two accidents, a year apart, changed everything. Both times, my car was stationary - once at a stop sign, and later at a traffic light. The aftermath left me with injuries and jobless. Soon after the second accident, I faced eviction. With my son and few belongings in tow, we began a heartbreaking 10-month stint of homelessness during his senior year of high school.

These episodes leave marks beyond the physical and emotional. They scar our public records, making it hard to find new homes due to unjust systems. Landlords often impose expensive background check fees, only to reject people later for trivial reasons. These challenges represent the struggles countless people face every day, further deepening cycles of poverty and despair.

I personally went through the challenges of being charged fees $75-$100 for each background check. I would pass the background check and later told I didn't meet the financial requirements. This happened to me multiple on multiple occasions over the 10-month span. Now picture yourself in my shoes. I lost two jobs. I lost my home. I had multiple injuries. I slept in my vehicle in parking lots and couch surfed with my son for 10 months. Trying to pick up the pieces of my life was beyond difficult, and then paying these outrageous fees to later get denied. 

This is why I introduce the Angel Act with two main proposals:

1. Protect Eviction Records: Tenants deserve grace, especially when affected by unforeseen, no-fault incidents, like an accident. A victim of an accident should not have evictions stamped on their records, making future housing endeavors even harder. The Angel Act will prevent landlords from reporting such evictions to credit agencies or public record keepers. It will mandate the removal of such records upon a tenant's request. Give tenants the right to legal action if this law is violated. Educate all involved about this law and their rights.

2. Safeguard Against Unfair Background Check Fees: Before charging potential tenants for background checks, landlords should first assess if an applicant is financially qualified for a property. This should be across the board for everyone and anyone seeking a home. It will demand income and credit checks prior to background check fees. Prohibit background check fees if an applicant doesn't financially qualify for a property. If they qualify, the fee must be reasonable.

The Angel Act aims to foster fairness and transparency in the rental process while safeguarding vulnerable tenants. This isn't just about me or my son, Angel. It's about ensuring no one goes through what we did. We must act promptly for the sake of many who are on the edge, hoping for a fair chance at a fresh start. The time for change is now.