Bill > HB819

This bill establishes the Commission to Examine the Expungement Laws of Maryland, a group composed of legislators, legal professionals including the Public Defender and State's Attorneys' Association President, state officials like the State Court Administrator and Secretary of Public Safety and Correctional Services, representatives from research and workforce organizations, individuals who assist those with criminal records, crime victims' advocates, and individuals with criminal records ineligible for expungement. The Commission's purpose is to review Maryland's current expungement laws and processes, which allow for the removal of certain criminal records from public view, to identify issues of efficiency and fairness, compare them to other states' laws, and propose a new statutory framework for a more streamlined process with broader eligibility. The Governor's Office of Crime Prevention and Policy will provide staff support, and while members will not be compensated, they can be reimbursed for expenses. The Commission is required to submit a report of its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly by December 31, 2027. This Act will take effect on June 1, 2026, and will be repealed on June 30, 2028.

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https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0819?ys=2026RS