Gift Cards for Cash? New Bill Says Maybe

[The Straight Story]

Gift Cards for Cash? New Bill Says Maybe
Written by Jason Kobely, Internet News Producer


SACRAMENTO (AP) -- State Senator Ellen Corbett may have the answer for consumers who are wondering what to do with unused or partially used gift cards and certificates.

A bill by the San Leandro Democrat would require stores to redeem gift cards and certificates worth less than $20 for cash, instead of requiring customers to spend the full amount on merchandise.

Corbett said the bill would benefit consumers who couldn't find anything to buy at a particular store, or who bought something but still had value left on the card.

She said the bill stemmed from complaints made by her constituents and her own frustration of not being able to redeem gift certificates she's received for cash.

http://www.news10.net/display_story.aspx?storyid=29531

[Bitwit1234]

1. I was sent a 100 Marriott gift certificate

The nearest Marriott was 300 miles away. I called the company and asked for a refund and they said they could not give it to me. It was against their policy.

[SoCalDem]

4. Our rascally son sent us a gift certificate to a restaurant

in PALM SPRINGS..

His reason.. "You & Dad need to get out more and go to a different place sometimes".:)

That was 6 months ago, and we have not gone yet :)

[ComerPerro]

2. This could open the door for a ton of fraud and theft

[ClassWarrior]

3. I hope they also ban experation dates on those things.

That's just wrong.

NGU.