Maine statute
17-A M.R.S. § 905-C — Misuse of public benefits instrument
Current through First Special Session of the 132nd Maine Legislature (current through October 1, 2025)
Part of Chapter 37: Fraud, Maine Revised Statutes.
Criminal charges under this statute
Full text of 17-A M.R.S. § 905-C
Statutory text current through the First Special Session of the 132nd Maine Legislature (current through October 1, 2025). This publication reproduces the statutory text of the Maine Revised Statutes from the Revisor of Statutes' official published files; it is not the official statutes of the State of Maine and has not been certified by the Secretary of State.
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
B. Obtains or possesses a public benefits instrument that was obtained without authorization of the agency issuing the instrument.
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;
B. The TANF program under Title 22, chapter 1053-B;
C. The statewide Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program under Title 22, section 3104;
D. The child care subsidies under Title 22, chapter 1052-A; or
E. The Women, Infants and Children Special Supplemental Food Program of the United States Child Nutrition Act of 1966.
3. Misuse of a public benefits instrument is a Class D crime.
Official sources
Legal terms used in this section
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.