PRIA Logo™
MarylandHB 07522026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Criminal Law - Theft and Fraud Crimes - Valuation and Forgery of Gift Cards

Sponsored By: Karen Toles (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Criminal Law - Substantive CrimesCrimes and Punishments -see also- Penalties and Sentnc; etc.DefendantsForgeryFraud -see also- ForgeryGiftsPenalties and Sentences -see also- Death PenaltyPrices -see also- Consumer Price IndexTheft -see also- Burglary; Robbery; Shoplifting

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

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

New crime for gift card tampering

Beginning October 1, 2026, tampering with a gift card or its package is a crime in Maryland. A person must act with intent to defraud for this crime. On conviction, penalties can be up to 18 months in jail, a fine up to $500, or both. It covers open‑ and closed‑loop gift cards, not credit cards, transfers, cash, checks, or drafts.

Value rules for stolen gift cards

Beginning October 1, 2026, the law sets how to value stolen or misused gift cards. Use the highest amount among three choices. The highest value printed on the card or package. $100 when no amount is printed. Or the actual loss someone suffered from using the card. The rule covers open‑ and closed‑loop cards, not credit cards, transfers, cash, checks, or drafts.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Karen Toles

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Frank M. Conaway

    Democratic • House

  • Jeffrie E. Long

    Democratic • House

  • Susan K. McComas

    Republican • House

  • Gabriel M. Moreno

    Democratic • House

  • N. Scott Phillips

    Democratic • House

  • Kent Roberson

    Democratic • House

  • Denise Roberts

    Democratic • House

  • Stuart Michael Schmidt

    Republican • House

  • Gary Simmons

    Democratic • House

  • Todd B. Morgan

    Republican • House

  • Kym Taylor

    Democratic • House

  • William Valentine

    Republican • House

  • Jamila J. Woods

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 178 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 45 • No: 0 • Other: 2

House vote • 3/18/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 133 • No: 0 • Other: 2

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 457

    5/12/2026

  2. Returned Passed

    4/13/2026House

  3. Third Reading Passed (45-0)

    4/13/2026Senate

  4. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    4/8/2026Senate

  5. Favorable Report by Judicial Proceedings

    4/8/2026Senate

  6. Referred Judicial Proceedings

    3/19/2026Senate

  7. Third Reading Passed (133-0)

    3/18/2026House

  8. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/17/2026House

  9. Favorable with Amendments {273222/1 Adopted

    3/17/2026House

  10. Favorable with Amendments Report by Judiciary

    3/16/2026House

  11. Hearing 3/05 at 1:00 p.m.

    2/11/2026House

  12. Hearing canceled

    2/11/2026House

  13. Reassigned to Judiciary

    2/11/2026House

  14. Hearing 2/24 at 1:00 p.m.

    2/9/2026House

  15. First Reading Economic Matters

    2/4/2026House

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/12/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/17/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    2/4/2026

    PDF

Related Bills

Back to State Legislation