Title
AN ACT CONCERNING RETURNING CITIZEN EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES ACT OF 2026 for the purpose of reducing recidivism and improving public safety by requiring that a certain percentage of new hires on certain public procurement projects be worked by returning citizens, subject to certain conditions; and generally relating to the employment of returning citizens.
Background
This bill will establish a Returning Citizen Employment Opportunities requirement for certain County and quasi-County procurement contracts valued at $1,000,000 or more. The legislation will require that at least five percent (5%) of the work hours performed under qualifying contracts be completed by returning citizens referred through Employ Prince George's or another designated County entity. The bill is intended to reduce recidivism, strengthen workforce participation, improve public safety, and expand employment opportunities for individuals returning from incarceration while ensuring County procurement investments also create pathways to economic mobility for Prince George's County residents. The legislation includes implementation procedures, waiver authority in limited circumstances, compliance reporting requirements, and enforcement provisions.