Bill > HB55

This bill modifies Maryland's criminal procedure law regarding expungement of records by allowing individuals to petition for expungement of misdemeanor or felony convictions after completing their entire sentence, including parole, probation, and mandatory treatment. The bill establishes a "good cause" standard for courts to consider when evaluating expungement petitions, requiring judges to examine six key factors: the nature of the crime, the person's character and history, their risk to public safety, rehabilitation success, time elapsed since conviction, and the conviction's impact on the individual's ability to secure employment, education, housing, public assistance, licensing, and economic opportunities. If a court denies an expungement petition, the decision cannot be appealed, and the petitioner must wait at least 5 years before filing another petition for the same conviction. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, and aims to provide a more comprehensive and flexible approach to helping individuals move past criminal records that may impede their personal and professional development.

Justice

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0055?ys=2025RS