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MarylandHB 01912026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Consumer Protection - Retail Transactions for Essential Consumer Goods - Cash Payments

Sponsored By: Greg Wims (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Commercial Law - Consumer ProtectionCommercial Law - GenerallyAttorney GeneralCivil OffensesCommerce and Business -see also- ElectrComm; ForeignTr; etc.Consumer ProtectionFees -see also- Attys' Fees; Devt Fees & TaxesFines -see also- Penalties and SentencesGoods and Services -see also- Retail Sales; TermnSvc; TrfGdsPenalties and Sentences -see also- Death PenaltyRetail SalesTimeUnfair Trade Practices

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.

New cash rule penalties for stores

Beginning October 1, 2026, breaking the cash-payment rules is an unfair trade practice under Maryland’s consumer protection law. The Consumer Protection Division gives a merchant at least two separate chances to fix the issue before fines. After that, the fine can be up to $500 per violation. Later violations can be up to $1,000 each.

Cash payments protected for essentials

Beginning October 1, 2026, from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., stores must take cash for in-person purchases of essential goods that total at least $5 and under $300. Essential goods include food, water and drinks, hygiene and cleaning items, health products and medicine, and fuel. Stores cannot force you to pay by card or charge more because you pay cash. A store may refuse cash if you offer a bill over $20, or it offers a free on-site machine that turns cash into a prepaid card; if that machine is down, the store must take cash. Stores may add up to $0.04 when lawful rounding applies. Phone, mail, and online orders, vending and kiosks, places that mainly sell food to eat there, some specialty food shops, paid-membership fuel sales, and parking payments are not covered.

Cash payment rules start Oct 2026

This law takes effect October 1, 2026. The new cash-payment rules start on that date. Until then, current store payment policies stay in place.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Greg Wims

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 237 • No: 72

Senate vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 35 • No: 11 • Other: 1

House vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 99 • No: 28 • Other: 13

House vote • 3/23/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 103 • No: 33 • Other: 4

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 714

    5/26/2026

  2. Passed Enrolled

    4/13/2026House

  3. Third Reading Passed (99-28)

    4/13/2026House

  4. House Concurs Senate Amendments

    4/13/2026House

  5. Third Reading Passed (35-11)

    4/13/2026Senate

  6. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/13/2026Senate

  7. Favorable with Amendments {493128/1 (Finance Committee) Adopted

    4/13/2026Senate

  8. Motion Laid Over (Senator Gallion) Adopted

    4/10/2026Senate

  9. Favorable with Amendments {493128/1

    4/10/2026Senate

  10. Favorable with Amendments Report by Finance

    4/10/2026Senate

  11. Hearing 4/01 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/25/2026Senate

  12. Referred Finance

    3/23/2026Senate

  13. Third Reading Passed (103-33)

    3/23/2026House

  14. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/21/2026House

  15. Favorable with Amendments {763228/1 Adopted

    3/21/2026House

  16. Favorable with Amendments Report by Economic Matters

    3/20/2026House

  17. Hearing 2/10 at 1:00 p.m.

    1/19/2026House

  18. First Reading Economic Matters

    1/14/2026House

  19. Pre-filed

    9/29/2025House

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/26/2026

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    4/13/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/21/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/14/2026

    PDF

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