All Roll Calls
Yes: 141 • No: 28
MarylandHB 05572026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET
Occupational Licensing and Certification - Criminal History - Predetermination Review Process
Sponsored By: Andrea Fletcher Harrison (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
Business Occupations and ProfessionsCriminal Law - ProceduresAdministrative AgenciesCertificationsCriminal Background InvestigationsDistrict CourtsEvaluations and ReviewsFederal GovernmentFees -see also- Attys' Fees; Devt Fees & TaxesLicenses -see also- AB Lic; Certifications; DrLic; PermitsLow-IncomeReportsState EmployeesSunsetWork, Labor, and Employment -see also- JobTrn; Leave; etc.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Fair chance rules for job licenses
Beginning July 1, 2026, covered departments may not deny a license just because of a past conviction. They can deny only if the crime directly relates to the license or creates an unreasonable safety or property risk. If at least 7 years passed since you finished the sentence and you had no new charges except minor traffic tickets, they may not deny solely for that conviction. This 7‑year rule does not apply to convictions that require sex‑offender registration. Departments must weigh set factors, like job duties, time since conviction, age at conviction, offense seriousness, rehabilitation, and safety interests. These protections last until June 30, 2029.
Binding precheck on criminal history
Starting July 1, 2026, you can ask a covered department to review your record before you apply for a license. The decision is binding unless your criminal history later changes in a direct and material way. If the review says you would be denied, the department must give you a written explanation that cites the law and factors used. You may file a new request after one year or after a material change to your record. A review fee up to $100 may apply, but it is waived if your income is at or below 300% of the federal poverty level, as determined by the District Court of Maryland. These rules end June 30, 2029.
Which licenses these rules cover
Beginning July 1, 2026, these rules apply to five departments: Agriculture, Environment, Health, Human Services, and Labor. The Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services is not included. People with a past violent‑crime conviction are not covered, and some financial industry licenses under Title 11, Subtitle 6 are excluded. The law does not override interstate compacts and does not stop required background checks. These scope rules end June 30, 2029.
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Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Andrea Fletcher Harrison
Democratic • House
Cosponsors
Gabriel Acevero
Democratic • House
Tiffany T. Alston
Democratic • House
Adrian Boafo
Democratic • House
Derrick Coley
Democratic • House
Charlotte Crutchfield
Democratic • House
Debra Davis
Democratic • House
Julian Ivey
Democratic • House
Robert B. Long
Republican • House
Kenneth Kerr
Democratic • House
Denise Roberts
Democratic • House
Kym Taylor
Democratic • House
Karen Toles
Democratic • House
Veronica Turner
Democratic • House
C. T. Wilson
Democratic • House
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 4/13/2026
Third Reading Passed
Yes: 45 • No: 0
House vote • 3/5/2026
Third Reading Passed
Yes: 96 • No: 28 • Other: 17
Actions Timeline
Approved by the Governor - Chapter 302
4/28/2026Returned Passed
4/13/2026HouseThird Reading Passed (45-0)
4/13/2026SenateSecond Reading Passed
4/13/2026SenateFavorable Adopted
4/13/2026SenateFavorable Report by Judicial Proceedings
4/13/2026SenateHearing 3/25 at 1:00 p.m.
3/20/2026SenateReferred Judicial Proceedings
3/6/2026SenateThird Reading Passed (96-28)
3/5/2026HouseFavorable Adopted Second Reading Passed
3/4/2026HouseFavorable Report by Economic Matters
3/3/2026HouseHearing 2/18 at 1:00 p.m.
2/3/2026HouseFirst Reading Economic Matters
1/28/2026House
Bill Text
Third Reading
3/4/2026
First Reading
1/28/2026
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