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Ex-convicts who apply with rental property management firms and landlords in San Francisco may be able to do so without being asked about their criminal background if a new law is passed by city officials.

The San Francisco City Council is discussing the prospect of approving a law that would prevent landlords and employers from asking potential tenants and workers about past criminal behavior.

Currently, the Los Angeles Times reports only areas of Wisconsin and Illinois implement such a law in relation to landlords being prevented from inquiring about a prospective renter's previous criminal history. Seattle is also considering a similar law, the paper adds.

"This is not about being soft on crime," San Francisco District Attorney George Gascon told the paper. "If we release people into our communities and don't figure out a way to get them housing and employment, we put them in a situation where the only opportunity they have is often to reoffend."

While the law has some supporters, many employers, landlords and city residents are concerned with the legislation.

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