Earned wage access bill exposes sharp split: fintech and payroll firms back new rules; attorney general warns of high APRs

House Economic Matters Committee — The committee heard more than two hours of testimony on HB 12‑94, a measure to create a regulatory framework for earned wage access (EWA) services that let workers draw pay they have already earned before regular payday.

Delegate Marlon Ampre introduced the bill as a follow‑up to the 2024 discussions about EWA and said the legislation seeks to protect workers while allowing providers that follow consumer protections to operate in Maryland. Key provisions require providers to offer a fee‑free option, prohibit credit scores for underwriting and credit reporting, ban employer compensation tied to EWA fees, require clear disclosures and set a per‑transaction fee cap of $5 for advances of $75 or less and $7.50 for advances above $75.

Fintech trade groups and major EWA providers testified in favor. Ashley Urisman of the American Fintech…