The bill will be reviewed today, Tuesday, March 14 at 1 p.m. EST at Maryland’s House of Delegates Ways and Means Committee meeting. MGM National Harbor is Prince George’s County’s largest private sector employer with more than 3,100 employees, in which nearly half are Prince George’s County residents.

Current law restricts individuals with a conviction, active parole, or probation for any crime involving moral turpitude or gambling under the laws of the United States or any state within the prior seven years from applying for a lottery employee license.

Maryland’s problem solving court programs provide collaborative, therapeutic, non-adversarial approaches to judicial supervision of eligible offenders and include drug court, DUI court, veterans’ court, mental health court and re-entry court.

“MGM Resorts is committed to helping build stronger and more equal workforce opportunities across the globe and within our company,” said MGM Resorts Chief People, Inclusion and Sustainability Officer Jyoti Chopra. “This effort is a testament to our continued fight towards combating inequity in our communities while promoting inclusive hiring practices.”

Maryland State Delegate Nick Charles said, “To ensure we reduce recidivism and grow our workforce, supporting re-entry resources is critical for our State. One of the most important resources we can equip returning citizens with is meaningful employment and job opportunities. These individuals have gone through a Problem Solving Court system and should therefore be able to secure licensures under the recognition that our Courts have done their job and the participants have changed the behavior that caused them to become involved in the judicial system in the first place. HB1288 costs the State $0 and its benefits would be invaluable.”

Kerry Watson, MGM Resorts Regional Vice President of Government Affairs said, “As someone who was raised in Prince George’s and a retired Prince George’s County Police Officer, I have seen firsthand the long-term impact a criminal record has not just on an individual, but on the community. As the world around us changes, we must also look to evolve certain laws to help communities instead of hurting them. I look forward to a day when people who have overcome challenges can start their professional careers anew with a company like mine. I’d also like to recognize and thank Delegate Nick Charles, the Chair of Prince George’s Delegation. He works tirelessly to support our local children, families and veterans and his leadership on this bill is further proof of his determination to fight inequity.”

Aisha Braveboy, State’s Attorney, Prince George’s County said, “House Bill 1288 expands opportunities for individuals with a criminal record to obtain meaningful employment. This legislation will play a vital role in removing barriers not only for applicants, but also for employers like MGM who believe in providing a second chance. We will all benefit from having more positive engagement with these individuals – truly allowing them to become productive and contributing members in the community.”

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MGM RESORTS CONTACT:

Dara Cohen

Director of Regional Corporate Communications

Dcohen@mgmresorts.com