Bill > HB447

This bill adds a new section to Georgia's legal code specifically addressing gift card-related crimes, defining key terms and establishing criminal penalties. The legislation creates four distinct offenses: gift card theft (acquiring or retaining a gift card or its redemption information without consent), gift card forgery (altering or tampering with a gift card or its packaging), gift card fraud (devising a scheme to obtain a gift card or its information through false pretenses), and using fraudulently obtained gift cards. The bill comprehensively defines various types of gift cards, including closed-loop (usable at a single merchant or affiliated merchants) and open-loop (usable at multiple unaffiliated merchants), and establishes precise definitions for terms like "cardholder," "card issuer," and "value." For individuals convicted of these crimes, the bill prescribes a potential punishment of one to ten years in prison and a fine up to $5,000, demonstrating a significant legal response to emerging forms of gift card-related fraud. By creating specific statutes for these offenses, the bill aims to provide clearer legal guidelines and stronger deterrence for gift card-related criminal activities.

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https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/70319