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Bill

HB 1744

Deterring criminal conduct involving gift cards.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Adam Bernbaum and 16 co-sponsors

HB 1744 establishes criminal penalties for gift card fraud and theft to combat organized retail crime and protect consumers from illicit gift card schemes.

First reading, referred to Community Safety.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1744

Legislative bill overview

HB 1744 addresses criminal activity involving gift cards, likely targeting theft, fraud, or resale schemes that exploit gift card systems. The bill would create new criminal penalties or restrictions around the unauthorized purchase, sale, or use of gift cards obtained through illicit means. This appears designed to close loopholes in existing fraud statutes specific to gift card transactions.

Why is this important

Gift card fraud has become increasingly common, affecting both retailers and consumers while also serving as a money laundering tool for organized retail crime. Clear statutory language and specific penalties can improve law enforcement's ability to prosecute these crimes and deter criminals from targeting gift cards as a theft commodity. The issue bridges retail security, consumer protection, and organized crime prevention.

Potential points of contention

  • Definitional scope: How broadly "criminal conduct involving gift cards" is defined could affect legitimate resale markets (sites like raise.com, CardCash) or create ambiguity about what constitutes criminal vs. lawful transactions
  • Proportionality of penalties: Whether proposed criminal penalties are appropriately calibrated to gift card fraud severity, and whether they align with similar fraud statutes
  • Retailer obligations: The bill may impose new compliance or reporting burdens on retailers to verify gift card legitimacy or track suspicious transactions, raising concerns about costs and feasibility

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

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