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

DateAction
01/07/2010Committee
01/07/2010Prefiled and ordered printed; offered 01/13/10 10101708D
01/07/2010Referred to Committee on Commerce and Labor
02/04/2010Tabled in Commerce and Labor

Comments

Birgit Campana writes:

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!