1. A person is guilty of misuse of a public benefits instrument if the person knowingly:
A. Transfers a public benefits instrument without authorization of the agency issuing the instrument; or [PL 2011, c. 687, §1 (NEW).]
B. Obtains or possesses a public benefits instrument that was obtained without authorization of the agency issuing the instrument. [PL 2011, c. 687, §1 (NEW).]

[PL 2011, c. 687, §1 (NEW).]

Attorney's Note

Under the Maine Revised Statutes, punishments for crimes depend on the classification. In the case of this section:
ClassPrisonFine
Class D crimeup to 1 yearup to $2,000
For details, see Me. Rev. Stat. Title 17-A § 1604

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Terms Used In Maine Revised Statutes Title 17-A Sec. 905-C

2. As used in this section, “public benefits instrument” means electronic benefits transfer cards, coupons, vouchers and any other means for distributing benefits from the following programs:
A. The municipal general assistance program under Title 22, chapter 1161; [PL 2011, c. 687, §1 (NEW).]
B. The TANF program under Title 22, chapter 1053?B; [PL 2011, c. 687, §1 (NEW).]
C. The statewide Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program under Title 22, section 3104; [PL 2021, c. 398, Pt. OO, §2 (AMD).]
D. The child care subsidies under Title 22, chapter 1052?A; or [PL 2011, c. 687, §1 (NEW).]
E. The Women, Infants and Children Special Supplemental Food Program of the United States Child Nutrition Act of 1966. [PL 2011, c. 687, §1 (NEW).]

[PL 2021, c. 398, Pt. OO, §2 (AMD).]

3. Misuse of a public benefits instrument is a Class D crime.

[PL 2011, c. 687, §1 (NEW).]

SECTION HISTORY

PL 2011, c. 687, §1 (NEW). PL 2021, c. 398, Pt. OO, §2 (AMD).