House Bill No. 3168 proposes the creation of a new offense related to the fraudulent use or possession of gift cards and gift card redemption information. The bill introduces Section 32.56 to Subchapter D, Chapter 32 of the Penal Code, defining key terms such as "cardholder," "card issuer," "gift card," "gift card redemption information," and "gift card seller." It establishes that a person commits an offense if they acquire or retain possession of a gift card or its redemption information without consent, alter or tamper with a gift card, or use a gift card knowing it was obtained unlawfully.

The bill categorizes the offense based on the value of the gift card or redemption information involved, with penalties ranging from a Class C misdemeanor for amounts under $100 to a first-degree felony for amounts of $300,000 or more. The legislation is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: ()