Bill > SB437

This bill modifies Maryland's criminal law concerning theft and fraud involving gift cards. It clarifies how the value of a gift card is determined for theft charges, stating that it will be the highest value listed on the card or its packaging, or $100 if no value is listed. This aims to provide a consistent standard for prosecutors and judges. Additionally, the bill creates a new crime called "gift card forgery," making it illegal for anyone to intentionally alter or tamper with a gift card or its packaging with the intent to defraud another person, punishable by up to 18 months in jail or a $500 fine. The bill defines "gift card" to include both "closed-loop gift cards" (redeemable at a single merchant or affiliated group) and "open-loop gift cards" (redeemable at multiple unaffiliated merchants, like those branded by payment networks), but excludes credit cards, electronic funds transfers, and traditional monetary instruments.

Justice

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0437?ys=2026RS