Governor Moore Signs Legislation to Promote Public Safety and Criminal Justice

From: Maryland Governor Wes Moore​
April 22, 2025

ANNAPOLIS, MD - Governor Wes Moore today presided over the second bill signing ceremony of 2025, which included The Expungement Reform Act, a key piece of the Moore-Miller Administration’s legislative agenda. The legislation signed today strengthens the Moore-Miller Administration’s all-of-the-above approach to public safety while creating pathways to work, wages, and wealth for rehabilitated Marylanders. 

“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,” said Gov. Moore. “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.”

Included among the bills Governor Moore signed today are:

The Expungement Reform Act, to expand expungement eligibility and open paths to work, wages, and wealth for Marylanders-including returning citizens who have served their time and fulfilled their rehabilitation requirements. The governor championed the legislation to alleviate the lasting impacts of criminal records on rehabilitated Marylanders, including barriers to employment, housing, education, and licensing prospects. The bill expands on the governor’s Executive Clemency Order which pardoned 175,000 Maryland convictions related to the possession of cannabis and represents the largest pardon for misdemeanor cannabis possession charges for any state in the country.

The Second Look Act, to allow certain Marylanders who have served 20 years in prison an opportunity to go before a judge to petition for an appeal of their sentence under the Juvenile Restoration Act. The legislation aims to strengthen accountability and open pathways to rehabilitation for Marylanders—while requiring judges to enforce conditions necessary to promote victim safety and peace of mind.

The Protect Our Federal Workers Act, to realign the Federal Government Shutdown Employee Assistance Loan Fund to assist federal workers impacted by mass layoffs and firings. The legislation expands the fund, allowing impacted federal workers to access interest-free loans in addition to unemployment assistance.

To view the complete list of bills signed into law today, visit: https://governor.maryland.gov/news/Pages/bill-signings.aspx.

Latest News

Maryland Democratic Party Launches Summer of Organizing to Energize Democrats, Hold Republicans Accountable, and Hear Directly from Voters

July 17, 2025
Annapolis, MD - The Maryland Democratic Party today announced the launch of its Summer of Organizing, a statewide surge of activity, in coordination with the DNC’s Summer of Organizing program.… Read More

Governor Moore Announces More Than $4.6 Million in Maryland Heritage Grant Awards to Promote Local Economic Development

From: Maryland Governor Wes Moore​
July 11, 2025
ANNAPOLIS, MD - Governor Wes Moore On July 11, 2025 announced 91 matching grant awards totaling more than $4.6 million for Maryland nonprofits, local jurisdictions, and heritage tourism organizations… Read More

Governor Moore Announces Open Sector Request to Identify Reliable and Cost-Saving Electric Transmission Projects

From: Maryland Governor Wes Moore​
July 10, 2025
ANNAPOLIS, MD - Governor Wes Moore On July 10, 2025 announced that Maryland has joined eight other Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states to issue a request for information seeking project recommendations… Read More

Governor Moore Announces Additional $1 Million in Emergency Funds for Western Maryland Families Impacted by Floods

From: Maryland Governor Wes Moore​
July 10, 2025
ANNAPOLIS, MD - Governor Wes Moore On July 10, 2025 announced an additional $1 million in Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program funds for families in Garrett and Allegany Counties. Made available… Read More

Chair's Challenge Vol 1 - Adapting Our Strategies

July 10, 2025
Chair’s Challenge – Adapting Our Strategies Last week, I drafted the first Chair’s Challenge, a reflection on my first week as Party Chair, but we held it back. It was a bad week… Read More