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LD 1773

An Act To Criminalize Certain Offenses Related To Gift Card Thefts

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Scott Cyrway and 3 co-sponsors

Defines retail merchandise to include gift cards, so stealing gift cards is treated as theft of merchandise under state law.

Signed by Governor
#crimes #giftcards #thefts
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · LD 1773

Summary: LD 1773 — An Act To Criminalize Certain Offenses Related To Gift Card Thefts

Purpose and intent

  • The bill seeks to address gift card theft by changing how such thefts are classified in state law.
  • Specifically, it adds a definition for “retail merchandise” that includes gift cards, thereby treating theft of gift cards as theft of merchandise.
  • The overarching goal is to criminalize certain offenses related to gift card theft and potentially strengthen penalties for those offenses.

Key provisions

  • Define “retail merchandise” to cover thefts involving gift cards.
  • by classifying gift card theft as theft of merchandise, align offenses related to gift card theft with existing theft statutes.
  • The bill does not specify new sentencing ranges in the summary notes; however, identifying gift card theft as theft of merchandise could affect offense classification and potential penalties.

Who/what would be affected

  • Offenders: Individuals who steal gift cards would be subject to the same theft-of-merchandise framework as other retail thefts.
  • Law enforcement and prosecutors: Changes in charging decisions and case classifications may occur due to the redefinition.
  • Courts: Potential increase in cases classified as theft of merchandise, including any associated felony filings.
  • Correctional system: Possible increases in incarceration if more gift card theft cases are charged as theft of merchandise.
  • Retailers and consumers: Impact on how thefts are prosecuted and the perceived risk/penalties of gift card theft.
  • Revenue impacts: Minor increases to General Fund or other dedicated revenue from fines; potential minor revenue increases from Other Special Revenue Funds.

Fiscal impact (from the fiscal notes)

  • Potential current biennium cost increase – General Fund; minor cost increase – General Fund.
  • Minor revenue increases – General Fund; minor revenue increases – Other Special Revenue Funds.
  • Correctional and judicial impact: Possible increase in incarcerations due to reclassification, but the exact number is unknown. Estimated annual incarceration cost cited at approximately $55,203 per person.
  • Workload: Additional workload for a presumably small number of new felony cases, but no new funding is required at this time.
  • Net effect: Overall minimal budgetary impact in the near term aside from potential increased fines and minor revenue changes.

Procedural history and status

  • Introduced: April 24, 2025.
  • Committee: Criminal Justice and Public Safety; Committee Amendment "A" (S-177) adopted.
  • Consideration: Passed through multiple readings; engrossed and sent for concurrence; concurrent actions taken; carriage through special appropriations processes.
  • Legislative actions indicate the bill advanced in May–June 2025 and was placed on the Special Appropriations Table pending enactment.
  • Status: CARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to any special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 800 (as of June 25, 2025).

Notes

  • Two fiscal notes (LR 1111(01) and LR 1111(02)) accompany the bill, both released 05/05/25, outlining similar fiscal implications and confirming the redefinition of “retail merchandise” to include gift cards.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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