Bill > SB258

This bill establishes new legal provisions specifically addressing crimes related to gift cards by defining key terms and creating criminal offenses. The bill introduces definitions for "gift cards," distinguishing between open-loop gift cards (which can be used at multiple merchants) and closed-loop gift cards (which can only be used at a single merchant or group of affiliated merchants). It amends existing theft statutes to clarify that each gift card's value will be determined by either the highest monetary value listed on its face or a default value of $250 if no value is listed. The bill creates a new section of criminal law that defines theft involving gift cards as occurring when a person: acquires or retains possession of a gift card or its redemption information without consent and with intent to defraud, uses a gift card obtained through deception or forgery to obtain money or services, or intentionally alters or tampers with a gift card or its packaging. The legislation provides clear guidelines for what constitutes fraudulent gift card activity and establishes legal consequences for such actions, with the law set to take effect on January 1, 2026. This bill aims to protect consumers and merchants from gift card fraud by creating specific legal mechanisms to address such criminal activities.

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https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_docket.aspx?lsr=1041&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=SB258