Senate Approves ‘Gift Certificate and Gift Card Disclosure Act’

The full State Senate has approved a bill to give Oklahoma consumers greater protection when they purchase gift cards from retailers. HB 1986, by Rep. Terry Ingmire, R-Stillwater and Sen. Richard Lerblance, D-Hartshorne, would ensure that gift cards could be redeemed for their full value for up to five years after the time of purchase.

“A lot of consumers don’t realize when they buy these gift cards that some of them have an expiration date—then when they attempt to make a purchase, they’re told the card is no longer any good, or its value has significantly decreased because of hidden charges that are deducted from the card over time,” Lerblance said. “There are some who argue businesses should be able to do that if they wish but customers feel shortchanged.”

Supporters for the bill also argued that other states already offer consumers such protections.

“I believe this will actually help businesses by establishing some clear guidelines on gift certificates and cards—and as a result I think even more consumers will purchase them,” Lerblance said.

The “Gift Certificate and Gift Card Disclosure Act” was approved 35 to 11 and now returns to the House for consideration of Senate amendments.