Bill > HB906

This bill aims to modify the laws regarding the prohibition on certain state government departments from denying an occupational license or certificate solely based on an applicant's criminal history. The key provisions include: 1. Prohibiting departments from requiring applicants to disclose certain information, such as deferred adjudications, participation in diversion programs, arrests not followed by convictions, convictions with no possible imprisonment, sealed/expunged/pardoned convictions, juvenile delinquency adjudications, and certain misdemeanor convictions. 2. Allowing departments to deny a license or certificate only if there is a direct relationship between the applicant's previous conviction and the specific license or certificate, or if the issuance would pose a direct and substantial threat to public safety or specific individuals or property. 3. Establishing a predetermination review process where an individual can request a review of their criminal history to determine if it would disqualify them from obtaining a particular license or certificate, with the department's determination being binding unless there is a subsequent change to the individual's criminal history. 4. Requiring departments to advise individuals on any remedial actions that may be taken to address disqualifications and allowing for revised predetermination requests. 5. Allowing departments to charge a fee for the criminal history review, but requiring the fee to be waived if the individual's income is at or below 300% of the federal poverty level.

Business and Industry

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0906?ys=2023RS