Bill
HB 187
HB 187 criminalizes fraudulent exploitation of government benefit recipients through coercion or deception, targeting predatory theft of assistance funds.
HB 187 creates a new criminal offense in Maryland specifically targeting the exploitation of individuals receiving government benefits. The bill establishes penalties for those who fraudulently obtain, misuse, or coerce benefit recipients into surrendering their assistance funds or benefits. This legislation aims to close legal gaps in protecting vulnerable populations who receive Social Security, SNAP, housing assistance, and other public support programs.
Benefit exploitation—sometimes called "benefits theft" or "benefit skimming"—disproportionately affects elderly, disabled, and low-income Marylanders who depend on these funds for survival. Current criminal statutes may not adequately address situations where predators, family members, or caretakers systematically extract benefits from vulnerable recipients through fraud, coercion, or manipulation. This bill would provide law enforcement and prosecutors with a specific legal tool to address this form of financial abuse.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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