MarylandHB 02162026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Criminal Law - Benefits Exploitation

Sponsored By: Aaron M. Kaufman (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Criminal Law - Substantive CrimesCrimes and Punishments -see also- Penalties and Sentnc; etc.ExtortionFines -see also- Penalties and SentencesHarassment -see also- ThreatsMedical AssistancePenalties and Sentences -see also- Death PenaltyPublic Benefits -see also- Housing; MedAsst; SupplNutrAsstPRetirement -see also- Mandatory RetirementSocial SecuritySupplemental Nutrition Assistance ProgramVeterans

Personalized for You

How does this bill affect your finances?

Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to download

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Ban on exploiting government benefits

The law bans exploiting government benefits. It is a crime to knowingly recruit, harbor, transport, or obtain a person to take their benefits using deception, coercion, exploitation, or isolation. It is also a crime to knowingly profit from a venture that does this, or to aid, abet, or conspire in it. Beginning October 1, 2026, these rules apply across Maryland.

Defines coercion and covered benefits

The law defines key terms for this crime. Coercion includes threats, harm, taking IDs, giving controlled drugs, exposing immigration or criminal facts, cutting off medical care, or misusing control of an older or disabled adult’s money. It also defines deception, exploitation, and isolation. Covered benefits include Medicare, Medicaid, TANF, WIC, SNAP, Social Security, SSDI, veterans benefits, pensions, TDAP, and PAA. Beginning October 1, 2026, these definitions guide who is protected and what conduct is illegal.

Tough penalties for benefits theft

The law sets jail time and fines based on the value taken. Less than $1,500: up to 1 year or up to $500, or both. $1,500 to under $25,000: up to 5 years or up to $10,000, or both. $25,000 to under $100,000: up to 10 years or up to $15,000, or both. $100,000 or more: up to 20 years or up to $25,000, or both. Each violation is a separate crime. Courts can run sentences one after another or at the same time, and separate from other crimes. Beginning October 1, 2026, these penalties apply.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Aaron M. Kaufman
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

Lauren Arikan
Republican • House
Jon S. Cardin
Democratic • House
Frank M. Conaway
Democratic • House
Kris Fair
Democratic • House
Jessica Feldmark
Democratic • House
Susan K. McComas
Republican • House
David Moon
Democratic • House
Gabriel M. Moreno
Democratic • House
Joseline A. Peña-Melnyk
Democratic • House
N. Scott Phillips
Democratic • House
Gary Simmons
Democratic • House
Karen Simpson
Democratic • House
Sean A. Stinnett
Democratic • House
Kym Taylor
Democratic • House
Chris Tomlinson
Republican • House
Jamila J. Woods
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 175 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/8/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 44 • No: 0 • Other: 1

House vote • 3/20/2026