Gift certificates.
- Increases the cash redemption threshold for gift certificates from $10 to $25.
- Requires retailers to display notices at cash registers informing customers of gift certificate redemption rights.
- Prohibits expiration dates and most service fees on gift certificates.
- Allows electronic transfers as valid payment when both parties agree.
Senator Laird's proposal to modify California's gift certificate regulations would raise the minimum value for mandatory cash redemption from $10 to $25 and require businesses to display notices informing customers of their redemption rights.
The legislation maintains existing consumer protections that prohibit expiration dates and most service fees on gift certificates, while adjusting the threshold at which merchants must provide cash refunds. Under the proposed changes, any gift certificate with a remaining balance under $25 would be redeemable for cash, with the amount rounded to the nearest dollar. Businesses that issue gift certificates would need to post notices at their cash registers explaining these redemption rights to customers.
The bill preserves current exemptions for certain types of gift certificates, including those distributed through promotional programs, sold at volume discounts for fundraising, or issued for perishable food items. It also retains provisions allowing dormancy fees in limited circumstances, such as when a card's remaining value is $5 or less and has been inactive for 24 months.
This bill was recently introduced. Email the authors to let them know what you think about it.
Introduced By
Latest Voting History
| Ayes | Noes | NVR | Total | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 2 | 0 | 13 | PASS |
 Anna CaballeroD Senator | Committee Member |  Not Contacted | |
 Roger NielloR Senator | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
 Benjamin AllenD Senator | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
 Eloise ReyesD Senator | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
 Scott WienerD Senator | Committee Member | Not Contacted |
- Increases the cash redemption threshold for gift certificates from $10 to $25.
- Requires retailers to display notices at cash registers informing customers of gift certificate redemption rights.
- Prohibits expiration dates and most service fees on gift certificates.
- Allows electronic transfers as valid payment when both parties agree.
This bill was recently introduced. Email the authors to let them know what you think about it.
Introduced By
Senator Laird's proposal to modify California's gift certificate regulations would raise the minimum value for mandatory cash redemption from $10 to $25 and require businesses to display notices informing customers of their redemption rights.
The legislation maintains existing consumer protections that prohibit expiration dates and most service fees on gift certificates, while adjusting the threshold at which merchants must provide cash refunds. Under the proposed changes, any gift certificate with a remaining balance under $25 would be redeemable for cash, with the amount rounded to the nearest dollar. Businesses that issue gift certificates would need to post notices at their cash registers explaining these redemption rights to customers.
The bill preserves current exemptions for certain types of gift certificates, including those distributed through promotional programs, sold at volume discounts for fundraising, or issued for perishable food items. It also retains provisions allowing dormancy fees in limited circumstances, such as when a card's remaining value is $5 or less and has been inactive for 24 months.
Latest Voting History
| Ayes | Noes | NVR | Total | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 2 | 0 | 13 | PASS |
Anna CaballeroD Senator | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
Roger NielloR Senator | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
Benjamin AllenD Senator | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
Eloise ReyesD Senator | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
Scott WienerD Senator | Committee Member | Not Contacted |