Bill > SB94

This bill revises laws concerning earned wage access (EWA) providers, which are companies that allow consumers to access a portion of their earned wages before their scheduled payday. Primarily, it prohibits EWA providers from soliciting or accepting tips, gratuities, or any other donations from consumers, and explicitly states that offering EWA services is not contingent on whether a consumer pays a tip. The bill also clarifies that EWA providers must be licensed or exempt from licensing requirements under Title 11, Subtitle 2 of the Financial Institutions Article, and while generally exempt from other lending laws, they must still comply with specific sections of the Commercial Law Article. Furthermore, EWA providers are required to offer consumers at least one option to access earned wages at no cost, clearly explain how to use this no-cost option, and fully disclose all fees associated with their services. They must also allow consumers to cancel services without a fee and reimburse consumers for any overdraft or insufficient fund fees caused by the provider's attempts to collect payments. The bill also prohibits EWA providers from sharing consumer charges with employers, conditioning EWA access on tips, charging late fees or interest on unpaid proceeds or fees, reporting non-payment of proceeds or fees to credit agencies, or using a consumer's credit report to qualify them for EWA. Finally, this Act is set to take effect on October 1, 2026.

Budget and Finance

Finance (Senate)

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0094?ys=2026RS