MD HB175

Department of Human Services must reimburse beneficiaries for benefits lost due to fraudulent use of Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards and restore benefits without requiring further action from the household, subject to state budget limitations

Retroactive reimbursement required for EBT theft occurring between January 1, 2021 and July 1, 2025, with claims due by June 30, 2026 and benefits issued by September 30, 2026

Department must notify households of restoration decisions within 10 days of a theft report, and cannot require police reports or limit the number of months eligible for restoration

All automated teller machine operators must ensure their machines can process and dispense cash from EBT cards by January 1, 2026

Effective date: July 1, 2025