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A Ban On Testing

While he was running for office, Baltimore’s Mayor Brandon M. Scott made a campaign promise to remove “exclusionary and inequitable barriers that have prevented otherwise highly-qualified people from obtaining jobs with the city.” As part of that effort, the Mayor submitted a proposal to prohibit city employers from running pre-employment drug and alcohol screenings on most job seekers.

Mayor Scott commented on this initiative: “We want the best and brightest candidates to help us provide efficient and effective city services to our residents. Frankly, the outdated and costly pre-employment drug and alcohol screenings only served to block qualified and passionate residents from obtaining employment with the city.”

The Mayor has spoken about this concept on several occasions. Signing the bill was one of the ways he hopes to achieve an overall goal of recruiting and maintaining a diverse and successful workforce. This law went into effect immediately.

Exceptions

Individuals who apply to safety-sensitive positions in Baltimore may still be screened for drugs and alcohol. This generally applies to people who work in law enforcement, medical positions or who provide any type of care to children, elderly individuals or other vulnerable people.

Support For The Bill

The Baltimore City Board of Estimates (BOE) approved Mayor Scott’s initiative. Various other local leaders have also supported the concept.

Dana Moore, Baltimore’s Chief Equity Officer and Director of the Office of Equity and Civil Rights, said: “Removing this barrier to employment is the most equitable action that the City can take from a hiring standpoint. This is about tearing down systemic obstacles that prevent many Black and Brown Baltimoreans from meaningful employment with the city.”

Comptroller Bill Henry also chimed in on this new ruling. “As a council member, I proudly co-sponsored a similar policy and am elated to see it finally put into effect. Simply put, pre-employment drug testing for non-safety-based jobs is only effective at preventing qualified applicants from applying for jobs. It's not evidence-based, it is just costly. I want to thank Mayor Scott for putting this policy change before the BOE and for his continued support on our shared vision to ensure an equitable and professional city government.”

Background Checks

City employers can continue to screen applicants, contractors and employees. While alcohol and drug screenings will typically not be allowed, comprehensive background reports are encouraged and can include employment, education and other verifications, criminal searches and additional components that help employers make informed decisions, demonstrate due diligence and maintain safe workplaces.

If your organization needs employment screening services, please contact us. Our team can help you build custom packages that are ideal for any position and that fit industry and legal requirements. We are available to assist you Monday through Friday from 5am to 6pm PT.