Bill > HB689

This bill amends existing Virginia law regarding gift certificates by updating the definition of a "gift certificate" to encompass written promises or electronic payment devices usable at a single merchant or affiliated group of merchants, purchased on a prepaid basis for future goods or services. A key new provision prohibits merchants from selling a gift certificate as part of an international transaction unless they first implement a 24-hour waiting period before the certificate can be activated, intended to help prevent fraud. Additionally, the bill mandates that local law enforcement agencies must immediately report any instances of gift certificate fraud they receive to the Internet Crime Complaint Center, which is part of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), thereby improving the coordination of fraud investigations.

Business and Industry

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB689