Bill > HB3014

This bill establishes a new criminal offense related to fraudulent gift card activities in Texas, creating comprehensive legal protections against gift card fraud. The bill defines several key terms, including what constitutes a "counterfeit gift card" and provides detailed descriptions of prohibited actions such as acquiring gift cards without consent, altering gift card packaging, or possessing gift cards with the intent to defraud. The law criminalizes activities like obtaining unauthorized digital imprints, attempting to use counterfeit gift cards, and strategically placing unactivated gift cards in retail locations to mislead consumers. The severity of the offense escalates based on the number of gift cards involved, ranging from a state jail felony (for fewer than five cards) to a first-degree felony (for 50 or more cards). The bill includes a rebuttable presumption that possession of three or more unauthorized gift cards indicates intentional fraudulent activity, though this presumption does not apply to legitimate businesses or government agencies. The legislation allows prosecution under this new law or other existing laws, providing prosecutors with flexibility in addressing gift card fraud. The law is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, giving businesses and law enforcement time to prepare for its implementation.

Labor and Employment

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB3014