(NEW YORK, NY) April 14, 2026 — Today, the Vera Institute of Justice applauds the Maryland General Assembly for passing the Fair Chance Housing Act (SB 937) in Maryland. The bill now heads to Governor Wes Moore’s desk to sign into law.

“With the passage of the Fair Chance Housing Act, Maryland will join New Jersey in having the strongest statewide protections against housing discrimination for people who have formerly been incarcerated,” said John Bae, director of the Opening Doors to Housing initiative. “We applaud Maryland’s legislators for recognizing that people with a conviction history should not face a lifetime of discrimination when it comes to something as fundamental as a place to live.” 

The Fair Chance Housing Act creates a more equitable rental housing landscape by setting guidelines for housing providers (landlords) when considering an applicant’s conviction history during the rental screening process. Background checks will be postponed until a conditional offer of housing is made, and will be limited to specific types of convictions within established timeframes. Additionally, the legislation allows applicants to undergo an individualized review of their conviction histories and present evidence of rehabilitation before any denial by the housing provider.

The Maryland Fair Chance Housing Act was sponsored by Senator Shaneka Henson, and passed with the support and assistance of Senate President Bill Ferguson, Senate Judicial Proceedings Chair William C. Smith, Jr., Senator Michael McKay, Delegate Marlon Amprey, House Economic Matters Committee (ECM) Chair Kris Valderrama, ECM Vice Chair Lorig Charkoudian, Delegate Robbyn Lewis, and Delegate Adrian Boafo.

The Maryland Fair Chance Housing Act is supported by local and national organizations including Baltimoreans United in Leadership Development (BUILD), Public Justice Center, NAACP Legal Defense Fund, Life After Release, Out for Justice, Maryland Legal Aid, and the Vera Institute for Justice. 

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