Bill > H1908

This bill aims to encourage and enhance employment and licensure opportunities for persons previously prosecuted or convicted of one or more criminal offenses. The key provisions are: 1. Allowing employers to rely on a "certificate of rehabilitation" as evidence of an applicant's rehabilitation, which creates a presumption that the individual is rehabilitated and suitable for employment or licensure, and removes certain disqualifications related to past criminal convictions. 2. Prohibiting licensing authorities from denying a license based solely on a person's criminal history, unless the criminal conduct has a direct bearing on the person's fitness for the license or would pose an "unreasonable risk" to public safety. 3. Requiring licensing authorities and employers to consider various factors, including the applicant's rehabilitation efforts, when making decisions based on criminal history. 4. Allowing individuals with certain convictions to seal their records if they obtain a certificate of rehabilitation. 5. Establishing a new chapter in state law to govern the process for obtaining a certificate of rehabilitation, including making the application form and process accessible to the public. The overall goal is to provide more opportunities for individuals with criminal histories to successfully reintegrate into their communities and find employment or obtain licenses, while still allowing consideration of public safety concerns.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H1908