On May 15, 2014, Baltimore City Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake signed the "Ban the Box" - Fair Criminal-Record Screening Practices Ordinance (Council Bill 13-0301) forbidding Baltimore employers from inquiring into applicants' criminal history before making a conditional offer of employment.

The new ordinance covers private employers with ten or more full-time employees in the City of Baltimore. It excludes employers that serve children or adults who lack the physical or mental capability to care for their own daily needs, for example hospitals or nursing homes. The ordinance also excludes criminal history inquiries expressly authorized by another law, such as the requirement that transportation drivers disclose whether they have ever been convicted of driving under the influence.

Violation of the ordinance is a misdemeanor. Employers may be fined $500 or imprisoned for 90 days. In addition, the Baltimore Community Relations Commission may award an aggrieved employee back pay, compensatory damages, reinstatement and attorneys' fees.

The new ordinance goes into effect on August 13, 2014.