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Bill

HB 765

Criminal Law - Counterfeiting and Possession of Counterfeit Lease - Penalty

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jason Buckel and 6 co-sponsors

Maryland bill strengthens criminal penalties for counterfeiting and possessing fraudulent lease documents to combat housing scams and rental fraud schemes.

Hearing 2/17 at 1:00 p.m.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 765

Legislative bill overview

HB 765 establishes or modifies criminal penalties related to counterfeiting and possession of counterfeit leases in Maryland. The bill appears to target fraudulent lease documents, which are used in rental scams and housing fraud schemes. The specific language of the bill would either create new criminal offenses or enhance existing penalties for these activities.

Why is this important

Counterfeit lease fraud directly harms renters and legitimate property owners, enabling housing scams where fraudsters pose as landlords or tenants. Strengthening penalties could deter criminals and provide law enforcement with more robust tools to prosecute sophisticated housing fraud. This is particularly relevant in tight rental markets where vulnerable tenants may be targeted.

Potential points of contention

  • Severity of penalties: Debate over whether new penalties are proportionate to the offense or if they constitute overcriminalization of document fraud
  • Scope of application: Unclear whether the law applies only to residential leases or also commercial ones, and how it treats minor alterations versus complete forgeries
  • Prosecutorial burden: Questions about whether courts and prosecutors have adequate resources to investigate and try counterfeit lease cases alongside other priorities

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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