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MD Considers Giving Ex-Offenders a Break

Maryland State Capital
creative commons
Maryland State Capital

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - Bills giving law-breakers a chance to get back on their feet are making progress in the Maryland General Assembly - and with bipartisan support.

The legislation ranges from removing certain mandatory minimum sentences to restoring voting rights to ex-offenders once they leave prison.

Even Gov. Larry Hogan has publicly backed one bill that would shield certain non-violent offenses from the public eye.

Some critics have voiced concern not enough is being done for the victims of crimes, but advocates for the various bills say that reducing some sentences and providing opportunities for ex-criminals contributes to overall public safety and benefits to a community.

Don Rush is the News Director at Delmarva Public Media. An award-winning journalist, Don reports major local issues of the day, from sea level rise, to urban development, to the changing demographics of Delmarva.