Maryland's Fair Chance Law
Source: National Employment Law Project
Signed on May 2, 2013 by Governor Martin O’Malley (D), SB 4 adds Article 2-203, Chapter 160 to the state code and pro- hibits state public employers from inquiring into the criminal history of an applicant for employment until the applicant has been provided an opportunity for an interview. Exceptions to the law include positions within the Department of Corrections, the Office of the Sheriff for any county, or where a background check is required by law. Introduced by Sen. Catherine Pugh (D),
Commentary: Job Opportunities Task Force led efforts on the bill for three prior years, which built a strong statewide coalition. The law includes a sunset provision of June 30, 2018.
