Gift cards; prohibits issuance of those that automatically expire as a result of passage of time. (HB181)
Introduced By
Sen. Joe Morrissey (D-Richmond) with support from co-patron Sen. Adam Ebbin (D-Alexandria)
Progress
✓ |
Introduced |
✗ |
Passed Committee |
☐ |
Passed House |
☐ |
Passed Senate |
☐ |
Signed by Governor |
☐ |
Became Law |
Description
Gift cards. Prohibits the issuance of a gift card that automatically, as a result of the passage of a period of time following its purchase or activation (i) expires, (ii) diminishes in value by the assessment of a maintenance fee or inactivity fee, or (iii) otherwise becomes unredeemable. Read the Bill »
Outcome
Bill Has Failed
History
Date | Action |
---|---|
01/07/2010 | Committee |
01/07/2010 | Prefiled and ordered printed; offered 01/13/10 10101708D |
01/07/2010 | Referred to Committee on Commerce and Labor |
02/04/2010 | Tabled in Commerce and Labor |
Comments
Small businesses cannot afford to store or bank monies indefinitely until people "decide" they want to take advantage of their gift. Gift certificates should be redeemed within a reasonable amount of time. It is a businesses perogative to offer the convenience of gift certificate to customers. It is not mandatory and people need to start being responsible. As grownups, we demand that our children be responsible with their endeavors and yet we consider ourselves "special" when we make a mistake by allowing our gift to expire and demand exception to the rules. As a small business owner, it is the most frustrating experience to have people who do not value a gift enough and let it expire then turn around and blame the business for their policy. The recipient of the gift certificate is the irresponsible party.
If a bill like this passes, my business will no longer offer the convenience of gift certificate purchasing. Big business wins again!