Bill > HB752

This bill establishes new rules for how the value of gift cards is determined in theft and fraud cases and creates a new crime related to tampering with gift cards. Specifically, it clarifies that when determining the value of a gift card for theft purposes, the court should consider the highest of three amounts: the value printed on the card, the value the defendant claimed the card was worth, or the actual loss incurred by anyone using the card. The bill also defines "gift card" to include both "closed-loop gift cards" (usable at a single merchant or affiliated group) and "open-loop gift cards" (branded by payment networks like Visa or Mastercard and usable at multiple unaffiliated merchants), but excludes credit cards, electronic fund transfers, and cash or checks. Furthermore, it makes it a misdemeanor offense, punishable by up to 18 months in jail or a $500 fine, for anyone to intentionally alter or tamper with a gift card or its packaging with the intent to defraud.

Business and Industry, Justice

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0752?ys=2026RS