This bill establishes new criminal offenses related to the fraudulent use of gift cards, amending existing laws to include specific definitions and penalties. Key insertions include the definition of "gift card," which encompasses both digital closed-loop and open-loop gift cards, and the stipulation that each gift card shall have a value equal to the highest monetary value listed on its face or packaging, or $250 if no value is listed. Additionally, the bill introduces a new section outlining crimes involving gift cards, defining terms such as "cardholder," "card issuer," and "gift card redemption information."

Under the new provisions, individuals can be charged with theft for acquiring or retaining possession of a gift card or its redemption information with intent to defraud, using a gift card obtained through deception, or tampering with a gift card. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and while it does not project any revenue impact, it acknowledges potential indeterminable expenditures related to the judicial and correctional systems due to the new offenses.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 637:10-b
As Amended by the Senate: 637:2