Majority of Marylanders Favor Clean Slate Act
Baltimore Fishbowl, Feb. 3, 2026
New polling shows a majority of Maryland voters favor legislation reducing barriers for people with non-violent conviction records to land work, get safe housing, and become self-sufficient.
The poll, conducted by Gonzales Research & Media Services in January 2026, shows 59% support the Maryland Clean Slate Act (HB 360/SB483), 29% oppose the act, and 12% offered no opinion. The legislation aims to automate the sealing process, shielding eligible records from appearing in background checks used by employers, landlords, and others. There are 13 other states (and Washington, D.C.) with similar “Clean Slate” laws, including Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Virginia.