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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.

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

All Roll Calls

Yes: 141 • No: 28

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

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 302

    4/28/2026

  2. Returned Passed

    4/13/2026House

  3. Third Reading Passed (45-0)

    4/13/2026Senate

  4. Second Reading Passed

    4/13/2026Senate

  5. Favorable Adopted

    4/13/2026Senate

  6. Favorable Report by Judicial Proceedings

    4/13/2026Senate

  7. Hearing 3/25 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/20/2026Senate

  8. Referred Judicial Proceedings

    3/6/2026Senate

  9. Third Reading Passed (96-28)

    3/5/2026House

  10. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    3/4/2026House

  11. Favorable Report by Economic Matters

    3/3/2026House

  12. Hearing 2/18 at 1:00 p.m.

    2/3/2026House

  13. First Reading Economic Matters

    1/28/2026House

Bill Text

  • Third Reading

    3/4/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/28/2026

    PDF

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