Hogan Claims to Support Ed Opportunities for Ex-Felons then Rejects Bill to Get It Done

We all know that ensuring a returning citizen (ex-offender) has a job and a place to live are key to helping make sure they do not commit further crimes. The Maryland Fair Access to Education Act of 2017 would have done a lot to open educational opportunities for citizens who are released from jail after serving their time. Today using similar language to what he used when he vetoed the #earnedsickleave law, Larry Hogan praised the intent of this bill and said he agreed the work needed to be done but vetoed the bill to get it done.

The Bill, SB543/HB694, when enacted will prevent colleges from asking about the criminal history of applicants to their school on the initial application. Similar to laws in place for businesses under #BantheBox rules, the school will only be able to ask about a criminal history after a conditional acceptance is first made. As noted in an editorial written for the Johns Hopkins student news paper, “This measure would not bar a university or any institution of higher education from conducting normal background checks on applicants they consider for admission. The purpose of the act is to ensure that applicants with criminal records have the chance to prove their merit before any sort of criminal check occurs.”

The bill was so popular it passed with the votes of 36 senators, including at least two Republicans.

Marylanders have waited long enough talking about issues that have impacted poor and working class communities for generations. Now is the time for action and Larry Hogan is simply standing in the way. Much like Democrats will do with #HB1, we will override this veto on in January.

Read the full editorial from Johns Hopkins online here.