On Tuesday, Governor Wes Moore held the second bill signing ceremony of 2025, enacting several measures including the Expungement Reform Act, Second Look Act, and Protect Our Federal Workers Act. The new laws aim to expand expungement eligibility, provide sentencing review opportunities for long-term inmates, and support federal workers affected by job disruptions.
Per the news release distributed on Tuesday, April 22: “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/