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Bill

HB 662

Offenses relating to gift cards; penalties.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Nadarius Clark and 3 co-sponsors

HB 662 establishes new criminal offenses and penalties for fraudulent gift card transactions to protect Virginia consumers from theft and deceptive practices.

Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB662)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 662

Legislative bill overview

HB 662 creates new criminal offenses and penalties related to fraudulent gift card transactions in Virginia. The bill appears to address theft, misuse, or deceptive practices involving gift cards by establishing specific legal prohibitions and corresponding criminal penalties.

Why is this important

Gift card fraud is a growing consumer protection issue, with millions lost annually to schemes involving counterfeit, stolen, or manipulated cards. Establishing specific statutory offenses allows law enforcement to prosecute gift card crimes more effectively and provides clarity on what conduct is illegal, protecting both consumers and retailers.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of criminalized conduct – The bill's specific definitions of prohibited behavior (e.g., what constitutes "fraud" vs. legitimate disputes) could affect retailers, resellers, and consumers differently
  • Penalty proportionality – Questions may arise about whether penalties are appropriately calibrated to the severity of different types of gift card offenses
  • Enforcement burden – Implementation costs for law enforcement and courts to process these cases, reflected in the multiple fiscal impact statements requested

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

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