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Bill

HB 557

Occupational Licensing and Certification - Criminal History - Predetermination Review Process

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Gabriel Acevero and 14 co-sponsors

Maryland bill requiring occupational licensing boards to notify applicants of criminal history concerns and allow response before denying licenses.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 302
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Bill Summary · HB 557

Legislative bill overview

HB 557 establishes a predetermination review process for occupational licensing and certification applicants with criminal histories in Maryland. The bill would require licensing boards to notify applicants of potential disqualifications based on criminal records before making final denial decisions, allowing applicants an opportunity to respond. This creates a procedural safeguard in the licensing determination process.

Why is this important

Occupational licensing serves as a gatekeeping mechanism for employment in numerous fields, and criminal history is frequently cited as disqualifying. This bill affects job access for individuals with criminal records seeking to enter regulated professions like construction, healthcare, security, and skilled trades. The predetermination review process could meaningfully increase employment opportunities while maintaining boards' authority to deny licenses based on legitimate public safety concerns.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope ambiguity: The bill's definition of which crimes warrant disqualification and how "predetermination" review functions in practice remains unclear from the brief description
  • Administrative burden: Licensing boards may argue that mandatory individual review processes increase costs and processing times, potentially delaying legitimate applicants
  • Public safety balance: Questions about whether the process adequately protects public interest versus expanding employment access for individuals with certain criminal convictions, particularly for positions involving vulnerable populations

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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