Bill > HB289

This bill expands the ability of state agencies to collect debts by allowing the interception of winnings from video lottery facilities, which are defined as places with video lottery machines. Specifically, the Central Collection Unit, a state agency responsible for collecting debts, can now certify individuals who owe overdue restitution payments (money ordered by a court to be paid to a victim), child support payments, or other debts owed to the state to video lottery operators. If a person with such a debt wins a prize from a video lottery facility that requires a W-2G tax form, the video lottery operator must notify the individual that their winnings will be withheld and applied to the outstanding debt. The individual has 15 days to appeal the debt, and if no appeal is filed or if the appeal is unsuccessful, the winnings will be transferred to the Central Collection Unit or the Child Support Administration to satisfy the debt. This measure aims to improve the collection of these important payments and debts, with the changes taking effect on July 1, 2026.

Budget and Finance

Ways and Means (House)

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0289?ys=2026RS