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HB 752

Criminal Law - Theft and Fraud Crimes - Valuation and Forgery of Gift Cards

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Frank Conaway and 13 co-sponsors

HB 752 establishes valuation standards and forgery penalties for gift card theft and fraud crimes to clarify prosecution and ensure consistent criminal sentencing in Maryland.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 457
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Bill Summary · HB 752

Legislative bill overview

HB 752 modifies Maryland's criminal law to establish specific provisions for prosecuting theft and fraud crimes involving gift cards, including rules for how the monetary value of stolen or fraudulently obtained gift cards should be calculated and penalties for gift card forgery. The bill appears designed to address prosecutorial gaps and clarify sentencing guidelines in cases involving this increasingly common form of payment theft.

Why is this important

Gift card theft and fraud have become increasingly common crimes, but existing statutes may not adequately address their unique characteristics (partial use, variable values, digital vs. physical). Clear valuation standards help ensure consistent prosecution and appropriate sentencing, while forgery provisions protect retailers and consumers from counterfeit cards and unauthorized reproductions.

Potential points of contention

  • Valuation methodology: How to calculate damages when a stolen card has been partially used or when face value differs from remaining balance could create disputes between prosecutors, defendants, and courts
  • Merchant vs. consumer impact: Provisions may disproportionately benefit retailers while leaving consumers vulnerable to gift card fraud from unauthorized sellers or counterfeit cards
  • Sentencing disparities: Establishing separate forgery penalties could create unequal treatment compared to other document fraud crimes or create sentencing inconsistencies depending on card value thresholds

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

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