Consumer Protection - Electronic Funds Transfers - Regulations (Elder Fraud Prevention Act of 2026)

HB 152, titled the "Elder Fraud Prevention Act of 2026," requires Maryland financial institutions to comply with federal electronic funds transfer rules (the 1978 Electronic Funds Transfer Act) for wire transfers between banks. It directly affects all financial institutions operating in Maryland by mandating adherence to these federal standards for specific electronic transactions. The bill applies existing federal regulations to Maryland's wire transfers, without creating new anti-fraud measures, and includes a sunset clause (Section 2) that would automatically repeal the law if courts rule it inapplicable to certain institutions. The title is misleading, as the bill focuses on regulatory alignment - not targeted elder fraud prevention - and takes effect October 1, 2026.