MD HB752

Establishes valuation rules for gift cards in theft crimes: value is the highest of the amount listed on the card/packaging, $100 if no value is listed, or the actual loss incurred by any person from the card's use

Creates new misdemeanor offense of "gift card forgery" for altering or tampering with a gift card or its packaging with intent to defraud

Penalties for gift card forgery include up to 18 months imprisonment, a fine up to $500, or both

Applies to both open-loop gift cards (usable at multiple merchants) and closed-loop gift cards (limited to single merchant or affiliated group)

Excludes credit cards, electronic funds transfers, money, checks, drafts, and similar paper instruments from the definition of gift card