MD SB232

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

Extends the retroactive reimbursement period for theft-related benefit losses from January 1, 2021 through July 1, 2025 (previously ended October 1, 2022), with claims due by June 30, 2026 and benefits issued by September 30, 2026

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

Benefit restoration is subject to state budget limitations and requires appropriation for electronic benefit theft restoration purposes

Department must respond to theft reports within 10 days, cannot require police reports for restoration, and cannot limit the number of months a household can receive restoration