Electronic Benefits Transfer Cards - Restoration and Receipt of Benefits and Use at Automated Teller Machines

SB 232 requires Maryland's Department of Human Services to automatically restore benefits lost due to EBT card fraud (including theft, skimming, or identity fraud) without requiring households to submit police reports or take additional steps. The department must restore benefits within 10 days of notification and reimburse beneficiaries for fraud occurring between specific dates if claims are submitted by a deadline. The bill also mandates ATM operators to implement specific security features for EBT cards and requires the department to coordinate with vendors on fraud prevention measures. This directly affects EBT beneficiaries who experience card fraud, streamlining the process to recover lost benefits.