MarylandSB 00942026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Commercial Law - Earned Wage Access - Revisions

Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable

Signed by Governor

Commercial Law - Consumer ProtectionCommercial Law - Credit RegulationAdvertisingAge -see also- Age of Maj; Children; Elderly; Inf&Tod.; etcCommerce and Business -see also- ElectrComm; ForeignTr; etc.Communications -see also- ElecComm; Intergov; etc.Consumer ProtectionDisabilitiesDiscriminationEthicsEthnic AffairsFees -see also- Attys' Fees; Devt Fees & TaxesFinance CompaniesFinancial Institutions -see also- Banks; Credit Unions; etc.Gender -see also- WomenGender Identity and Expression -see also- Gender; LGB; etc.GiftsImmigrants and Citizenship -see also- ResidencyLicenses -see also- AB Lic; Certifications; DrLic; PermitsLoans -see also- Credit; Mortgages; Scholarships&SFAMarriage -see also- SpousesMinors -see also- Age of Majority; YouthPrices -see also- Consumer Price IndexRacial Matters -see also- Ethnic Affairs; MinoritiesReimbursementsSalaries and Compensation -see also- Overtime; Reimb. RatesSolicitationStandards and Best PracticesTime

Your PRIA Score

Score Hidden

Personalized for You

How does this bill affect your finances?

Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this bill and every other piece of legislation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to start

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

6 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Free option, clear terms, easy cancellation

Beginning October 1, 2026, if a provider offers a paid way to get your wages, it must also offer at least one no‑cost way and explain how to pick it. Providers must show all fees and your rights before you sign up, and tell you before any material changes. You can cancel at any time with no cancellation fee. Providers must answer questions, fix complaints quickly, and follow privacy and security laws. Funds must be delivered by a method you and the provider both agree on.

Strong limits on collections and fees

Beginning October 1, 2026, providers cannot share your charge information with your employer. They cannot charge tips, late fees, interest, or other penalties for not paying. They cannot pull your credit report, report you to credit bureaus, sue you, sell the debt, or use third‑party collectors to force payment. If they try to debit your bank account, they must follow the Electronic Fund Transfer Act and repay any overdraft or NSF fees they cause within 5 business days, except when the money involved was obtained by fraud or was unlawful.

Licensing and legal status for providers

Beginning October 1, 2026, anyone offering earned wage access in Maryland must be licensed or exempt, and unlicensed operators face enforcement under the consumer loan law. Compliant earned wage access is not money transmission and does not violate payroll deduction rules. Licensed providers are exempt from many other state lending and credit laws, but sections 12‑304, 12‑305, and 12‑316 still apply. A safe harbor protects licensees and exempt persons who act in good faith based on written opinions or approved forms until that guidance changes; it does not cover willful violations or block refund orders.

No discrimination in access to wages

Beginning October 1, 2026, licensees may not grant or deny earned wage access based on race, color, creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, marital status, or age. Denying a request from a minor is not considered age discrimination.

No tips on earned wage access

Beginning October 1, 2026, lenders and earned wage access providers cannot accept, ask for, or keep tips from consumers. They cannot say or imply that a tip affects loan approval or terms. They must clearly tell you that tips are not allowed. If a tip is taken, the provider must return it within 7 days to avoid a violation.

Truthful ads and clear fee displays

Beginning October 1, 2026, providers may not use false or misleading claims about fees, rates, terms, or conditions in ads. The Commissioner can require that ads show fees and rates clearly and may allow or require references to state supervision, with limits to avoid misleading consumers.

Free Policy Watch

You just read the policy. Now see what it costs you.

Pick a topic. PRIA runs your household against live legislation and sends you a free personalized readout.

Pick a topic to get started

My Taxes My Health My Budget My Money My Freedom

Or tell us something more specific

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 132 • No: 49

House vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 100 • No: 36 • Other: 6

Senate vote • 3/19/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 32 • No: 13

Actions Timeline

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 170
4/28/2026
Returned Passed
4/13/2026Senate
Third Reading Passed (100-36)
4/13/2026House
Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed
4/11/2026House
Favorable Report by Economic Matters
4/11/2026House
Hearing 3/31 at 1:00 p.m.
3/24/2026House
Referred Economic Matters
3/20/2026House
Third Reading Passed (32-13)
3/19/2026Senate
Second Reading Passed with Amendments
3/17/2026Senate
Favorable with Amendments {383322/1 Adopted
3/17/2026Senate
Favorable with Amendments Report by Finance
3/16/2026Senate
Hearing 1/29 at 3:00 p.m.
1/20/2026Senate
First Reading Finance
1/14/2026Senate
Pre-filed
9/30/2025Senate

Bill Text

Third Reading
3/17/2026
PDF
First Reading
1/14/2026
PDF

Related Bills

Back to State Legislation

Take It Personal

Get Your Personalized Policy View

Take the PRIA Score to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.

Already have an account? Sign in