ANNAPOLIS, Md., April 23, 2025 — Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed a series of bills into law today, including the Expungement Reform Act, a cornerstone of the Moore-Miller Administration’s public safety and rehabilitation agenda. The legislation aims to expand expungement eligibility, creating opportunities for rehabilitated Marylanders to access employment, housing, and education while reinforcing the state’s commitment to reducing crime and supporting second chances.
The Expungement Reform Act builds on Governor Moore’s Executive Clemency Order, which pardoned 175,000 cannabis possession convictions, marking the largest such pardon for misdemeanor cannabis charges in any U.S. state. The act addresses barriers faced by returning citizens who have completed their sentences and rehabilitation requirements, alleviating the long-term impacts of criminal records on their ability to secure jobs, housing, and professional licenses. By broadening expungement eligibility, the legislation seeks to foster pathways to economic stability and societal reintegration.
“Our strategy to make Maryland safer has centered on an all-of-the-above approach – prioritizing data, coordination, accountability, rehabilitation, and prevention across all parts of society,” Governor Moore said during the signing ceremony. “Today, we continue our work by cracking down on ghost guns, delivering real second chances, and expanding opportunities for expungement. We will continue to drive down crime. And at the same time, we will ensure Marylanders who’ve been successfully rehabilitated aren’t denied access to health care, housing, and employment.”
Among the other bills signed was the Second Look Act, which allows Marylanders who have served 20 years in prison to petition a judge for sentence review under the Juvenile Restoration Act. This legislation balances rehabilitation opportunities with accountability, requiring judges to prioritize victim safety and peace of mind in their rulings. Additionally, the Protect Our Federal Workers Act was signed to expand the Federal Government Shutdown Employee Assistance Loan Fund. The fund now provides interest-free loans and unemployment assistance to federal workers affected by mass layoffs or firings, offering critical support during economic disruptions.
The bills reflect the administration’s broader goals of enhancing public safety, promoting rehabilitation, and addressing systemic barriers. The Expungement Reform Act, in particular, aligns with national trends toward criminal justice reform, as states increasingly recognize the importance of reducing recidivism through reintegration support. According to a 2024 report by the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, access to employment and housing significantly lowers reoffense rates among former inmates.
The signing ceremony, held at the State House in Annapolis, was attended by lawmakers, advocates, and community leaders who praised the administration’s focus on equity and opportunity. The complete list of bills signed today is available on the governor’s official website.
While the Expungement Reform Act has been hailed as a step forward, some advocates note that implementation will be key. Ensuring access to legal resources for expungement applications and educating employers about the policy’s benefits will be critical to its success. The administration has pledged to work with community organizations to streamline the process and maximize the legislation’s impact.
The Moore-Miller Administration’s legislative efforts come amid ongoing discussions about balancing public safety with criminal justice reform. By addressing both crime prevention and rehabilitation, the bills signed today aim to create a safer, more equitable Maryland. As the state moves forward, the Expungement Reform Act is expected to serve as a model for other states seeking to support returning citizens while maintaining community safety.
