The People’s Commission to Decriminalize Maryland was established in 2019 with the purpose of reducing the disparate impact of the justice system on Marylanders who have been historically targeted and marginalized by local and state criminal and juvenile laws based on their race, gender, disability, or socio-economic status. To this end, the work of the Commission is to examine Maryland’s legal codes to understand the ways in which Maryland’s criminal laws reinforce structural racism and inequality. The Commission’s findings will inform policy campaigns to amend or strike those laws which harm Marylanders by making their status within society a crime.

BALT is honored to join forces with numerous organizations across the State to build toward a just and equitable world.

Check out the 2021 Interim Report to learn more!