Bill > HB652

This bill establishes strict hiring and employment restrictions for the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) by prohibiting the department from knowingly hiring or retaining employees who have been convicted of specific serious crimes. The list of prohibited convictions includes serious offenses such as abduction, kidnapping, murder, manslaughter (except involuntary), rape, sexual offenses, child abuse, sexual abuse of a minor, certain felony offenses related to sexual conduct, continuing course of conduct with a child, first-degree assault, assault with intent to murder, and assault with intent to rape or commit sexual offenses. The bill provides one exception to these restrictions: if the judgment of conviction for any of these crimes has been reversed or vacated, the department may hire or retain the individual. The provisions of this bill will take effect on October 1, 2025, giving the Department of Juvenile Services time to review and adjust its hiring practices accordingly. The primary aim of this legislation appears to be protecting vulnerable juvenile populations by ensuring that individuals with serious criminal histories are not employed in positions of trust and responsibility within the department.

Justice

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0652?ys=2025RS