Bill > HB752

This bill clarifies how the value of a gift card is determined for theft and fraud crimes, defining "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, often branded by payment networks like Visa or Mastercard), but excluding credit cards, electronic transfers, and checks. For valuation purposes, the bill states the value of a gift card is the highest amount listed on the card or its packaging, or $100 if no value is listed, which is a change from previous language that considered what a defendant claimed the value to be. Additionally, the bill makes it a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 18 months in jail or a $500 fine, to intentionally alter or tamper with a gift card or its packaging with the intent to defraud someone.

Business and Industry, Justice

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