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MarylandSB 04372026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

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

Sponsored By: William G. Folden (Republican)

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

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

How gift cards count in theft cases

Beginning Oct 1, 2026, Maryland law defines two types of gift cards: closed‑loop (one store or related stores) and open‑loop (network‑branded, usable at many stores or ATMs). For theft and fraud cases, a gift card’s value is the greatest of: the highest amount shown on the card or package, $100 if no amount is shown, or the actual loss tied to the card. Credit cards, electronic funds transfers, cash, checks, and drafts are not treated as gift cards. These rules guide how charges and penalties are set in gift‑card crimes.

New crime for gift card tampering

Beginning Oct 1, 2026, it is a crime in Maryland to alter or tamper with a gift card or its packaging with intent to defraud. The offense is called gift card forgery. Penalties include up to 18 months in jail, a fine up to $500, or both.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • William G. Folden

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 165 • No: 0

House vote • 4/3/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 120 • No: 0 • Other: 9

Senate vote • 3/12/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 45 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 456

    5/12/2026

  2. Returned Passed

    4/6/2026Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (120-0)

    4/3/2026House

  4. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    4/2/2026House

  5. Favorable Report by Judiciary

    4/2/2026House

  6. Referred Judiciary

    3/13/2026House

  7. Third Reading Passed (45-0)

    3/12/2026Senate

  8. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/10/2026Senate

  9. Favorable with Amendments {453926/1 Adopted

    3/10/2026Senate

  10. Favorable with Amendments Report by Judicial Proceedings

    3/9/2026Senate

  11. Hearing 2/11 at 2:00 p.m.

    2/9/2026Senate

  12. Hearing canceled

    2/9/2026Senate

  13. Hearing 2/11 at 1:00 p.m.

    2/2/2026Senate

  14. First Reading Judicial Proceedings

    1/30/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/12/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/10/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/30/2026

    PDF

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