Maryland Adopts “Ban the Box” Law for Public Employers Only

Maryland is now the ninth state to join the nationwide effort to “ban the box,” removing questions about criminal history from state job applications and postponing such questions until later in the hiring process. It is the latest sign that the nationwide movement to reduce unfair barriers to employment for people with criminal records is gaining momentum.

 

The bill, which is expected to take effect on October 1, 2014, does not affect private employers.

 

There are exemptions to the bill such as positions in the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services and Office of the  Sheriff in any county, as well as positions for which an appointing authority has a statutory duty to conduct a criminal records check.

 

Maryland Governor Jack Markell said in a statement on Thursday that, “We need to start by looking at employment discrimination against people who have repaid their debt to society.

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