H1611

Relative to gift card fraud

Introduced·2/27/25
Introduced Text

Establishes penalties for crimes involving gift cards, including fraud and forgery.

The bill amends Chapter 266 of the General Laws to introduce new sections addressing crimes involving gift cards. It defines terms such as "open-loop gift card" and "closed-loop gift card." The bill makes it a crime to acquire or retain possession of a gift card with intent to defraud, classifying it as larceny. If the value of items obtained exceeds $1,200 in any six-month period, it becomes felony larceny. Altering or tampering with a gift card with intent to defraud is classified as forgery. The bill aims to protect consumers and merchants from fraudulent activities involving gift cards.

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  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

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Where it stands

Current
In committee
Next
Committee decision

Sponsors

D
1
0
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Calendar

Sep 23, 2025

1:00 PM

Joint Committee on The Judiciary Hearing

History

Mar 26

House

Accompanied a study order, see H5281 (under House Rule 27)

Sep 16, 2025

Joint

Hearing scheduled for 09/23/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2

Sep 16, 2025

House

Reported by committee to Clerk’s Office for processing, will accompany a study order