ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Wes Moore signed several bills into law this week aimed at “improving public safety and criminal justice in Maryland,” according to a press release. The bills include the Expungement Reform Act, which expands expungement eligibility for Marylanders.
The Expungement Reform Act seeks to alleviate the long-term consequences of criminal records for rehabilitated individuals. This includes removing barriers to employment, housing, education, and licensing. The act builds upon Governor Moore’s previous Executive Clemency Order, which pardoned 175,000 Maryland convictions related to cannabis possession, representing the largest pardon for misdemeanor cannabis possession charges for any state in the country.
Another bill signed into law is the Second Look Act. This act allows certain individuals who have served 20 years in prison to petition for an appeal of their sentence under the Juvenile Restoration Act. The aim is to provide a pathway to rehabilitation while ensuring victim safety and peace of mind.
Governor Moore also signed the Protect Our Federal Workers Act. This legislation expands the Federal Government Shutdown Employee Assistance Loan Fund to support federal workers affected by mass layoffs and firings. The expansion allows impacted workers to access interest-free loans in addition to unemployment assistance.
“Our strategy to make Maryland safer has centered on an all-of-the-above approach — prioritizing data, coordination, accountability, rehabilitation, and prevention across all parts of society,” said Governor Moore. “Today, we continue our work by cracking down on ghost guns, delivering real second chances, and expanding opportunities for expungement. We will continue to drive down crime. And at the same time, we will ensure Marylanders who’ve been successfully rehabilitated aren’t denied access to health care, housing, and employment.”
A complete list of the bills signed into law is available online here.
This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.
Photo via the Maryland Governor’s Office
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