The Greater Baltimore Committee's board of directors strongly opposes the "Ban the Box" legislation in its current form for a number of reasons, even though its members recognize and appreciate the well-meaning intention of this legislation and its sponsor, Councilman Nick Mosby, for ex-offenders to not be arbitrarily excluded from consideration before having a chance to demonstrate their skills and positive attributes ("Banning the box," March 17).
First, the passage of this legislation would add another hurdle for businesses in Baltimore City which are already subject to multiple existing rules and regulations that make it more expensive to do business in the city than in surrounding counties that do not have as many restrictions.
Second, the legislation would subject employers to criminal and civil penalties should a violation of the law occur. The imposition of criminal penalties on private employers is significantly onerous and the passing of this legislation would create a major disincentive for private sector hiring in Baltimore.