National Urban League, Baltimore & DC Affiliates Support SB432 to Expand Justice and Opportunity

By National Urban League
Published05 PM EDT, Mon Apr 14, 2025
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BALTIMORE, WASHINGTON D.C., and NEW YORK (March 20, 2025) – National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial, Greater Baltimore Urban League President and CEO Tykia Warden, and Greater Washington Urban League President and CEO George H. Lambert, Jr., issued the following statement in support of Maryland Senate Bill 432.    

“We proudly stand alongside Governor Wes Moore, the Clean Slate Initiative, and community partners in support of SB432, a critical step toward providing record relief for individuals impacted by the criminal justice system and advancing equity in Maryland.

“For far too long, Marylanders with past interactions with the justice system have faced insurmountable barriers to housing and employment—often due to outdated laws that punish them for anything short of a perfect record. Under current state law, individuals who completed probation or parole with even minor violations who nevertheless have remained law-abiding citizens for years remain trapped in a cycle of legal limbo, unable to have their cases expunged. Instead, this law will expand opportunities for people who have completed probation and parole to get their cases expunged. Furthermore, it will expand privacy for people who had their cases resolved through a 'stet' or when a prosecutor defers their charges.

“SB432 aligns directly with the priorities of the League’s Equitable Justice and Strategic Initiatives Division, which is committed to expanding Restorative Justice and advancing economic mobility. We are working to ensure that record relief becomes a reality for many through initiatives like our Urban Expungement Program and our support for the Clean Slate Initiative’s legislative advocacy efforts across multiple states.

“The disparities within our criminal legal system have disproportionately harmed Black Marylanders, mirroring a deeply troubling national pattern. However, the passage of SB432 is not just about racial equity—it is about economic empowerment, workforce development, and a fairer justice system for all Marylanders.

“We urge lawmakers to pass SB432 and remove the unnecessary barriers that prevent individuals from fully participating in Maryland’s economy and society. Doing so brings us one step closer to a justice system that embodies fairness, redemption, and opportunity.”