Bill > SB874

This bill introduces comprehensive legal protections and criminal penalties related to gift card theft and fraud in Maryland. It defines a "gift card" as a physical or digital instrument that can be used to purchase goods or services with a prepaid balance, and establishes several specific criminal offenses. The bill prohibits individuals from taking a gift card from another person without consent, receiving a gift card known to be lost or mistakenly delivered with intent to use or sell it, and selling or buying gift cards outside of authorized channels. The legislation creates criminal penalties that vary based on the value of the gift card: for gift cards with a balance under $100, offenders can face up to 90 days in jail or a $500 fine, while for cards with $100 or more, first-time offenders can receive up to 6 months in jail or a $500 fine, and repeat offenders can face up to 1 year in jail or a $500 fine. Additionally, the bill criminalizes falsely creating, embossing, or signing gift cards with fraudulent intent. The law is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, and aims to protect consumers and businesses from gift card-related criminal activities by establishing clear legal definitions and enforcement mechanisms.

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https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0874?ys=2025RS