§ 15-2. Findings; Intent and purpose.

(a) Findings.

The Mayor and City Council of Baltimore finds that:

(1) individuals with criminal records suffer from pervasive discrimination in many fundamental areas of life, including employment, housing, education, and eligibility for many forms of social benefits;

(2) nationwide, the percentage of people of color who have criminal records exceeds the percentage of their representation in the population as a whole, which disproportionately impacts their lives, families, and communities;

(3) many individuals with criminal records are job seekers who are ready and able to become part of and to contribute to the work force;

(4) lack of employment is a significant cause of recidivism, while individuals who are employed are significantly less likely to again engage in criminal activities;

(5) artificial barriers to employment for people with criminal records are creating permanent members of an underclass that threatens the health of the community and undermines public safety;

(6) the City of Baltimore, in its own employment practices, has implemented a system of screening for individuals with criminal records that is fair to all concerned; and

(7) the City has a responsibility to ensure that private employers in the City similarly maintain fair policies for the screening and identification of individuals with criminal records.

(b) Intent and purpose.

It is the intent and purpose of this subtitle:

(1) to assist the successful reintegration back into the community of individuals with criminal records, by removing artificial barriers to gainful employment;

(2) to enhance the health and security of the community by assisting individuals with criminal records to lawfully provide for their families and themselves; and

(3) to ensure that just and fair measures are implemented and practiced when pre-screening individuals to identify those who might or might not have criminal records.