§ 47a-9a — Prohibitions re discrimination against prospective or existing tenant for conviction related to cannabis possession; possession or consumption of cannabis; drug tests. Exceptions.

(a) As used in this section, “tenant”, “landlord” and “dwelling unit” have the same meanings as provided in section 47a-1. Except as provided in this section, a landlord or property manager may not refuse to rent to a prospective tenant or an existing tenant, or otherwise discriminate against a prospective tenant or an existing tenant, based on a past conviction for possession of a cannabis-type substance under section 21a-279a or for a past conviction for possession of four or fewer ounces of cannabis plant material, and any equivalencies and combinations thereof, pursuant to subsection (i) of section 21a-279a in any other jurisdiction. (b) Except as provided in this section, in the case of the rental of a dwelling unit, a landlord or property manager may not prohibit the possession of cannabis or the consumption of cannabis, except a landlord or property manager may prohibit smoking of cannabis or use of an electronic cannabis device or cannabis vapor product, as such terms are defined in section 19a-342a . (c) A landlord or property manager may not require a tenant to submit to a drug test. (d) The provisions of this section do not apply if: (1) The tenant is a roomer who is not leasing the entire residence; (2) The residence is incidental to detention or the provision of medical, geriatric, educational, counseling, religious, or similar service; (3) The residence is a transitional housing or sober living facility; or (4) Failing to prohibit cannabis possession or consumption or failure to require a drug test would violate federal law or regulations or cause the landlord to lose a monetary or licensing-related benefit under federal law or regulations.

Legislative History

(June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1, S. 90.) History: June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1 effective July 1, 2022.