Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

Connecticut House Bill HB06869

Introduced
1/30/19  
Refer
1/30/19  

Caption

An Act Concerning Cash Refunds Of Gift Card Balances.

Impact

If passed, HB06869 would modify the existing laws governing gift cards, particularly focusing on enhancing consumer rights regarding refunds. By raising the remaining balance threshold required for refund requests, the bill is intended to also reduce the number of small, often neglected balances that consumers face, thus making gift card use more beneficial for consumers. It may lead to a shift in retailer policies, pushing them towards clearer refund practices.

Summary

House Bill 06869 proposes amendments to subsection (c) of section 42-461 of the general statutes, detailing the conditions under which consumers may request cash refunds for remaining gift card balances. The salient feature of this bill is the increase in the minimum balance a consumer must have on their gift card to qualify for such a refund. This change aims to improve consumer protection and ensure that individuals can access the remaining value on their cards in a more practical manner.

Contention

The discussions surrounding HB06869 may touch upon various points of contention, particularly regarding how such changes impact retailers. Some stakeholders may argue that increasing the balance required for refunds could create inconsistencies in consumer satisfaction and business operations. Retailers might express concern that this legislation places an undue burden on them, particularly for low-value gift card transactions, which are often not profitable for businesses.

Overall_concerns

Overall, the bill could be seen as part of a larger trend towards increasing consumer protections in retail transactions. Proponents of HB06869 argue that it addresses a gap in consumer rights, ensuring that they are not left with unusable funds on gift cards. However, the administration of these refunds and their implications for retailers may be areas inducing further legislative scrutiny or amendments.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

CT HB05140

An Act Concerning Earned Wage Access.

CT HB05236

An Act Concerning Recommendations By The Department Of Consumer Protection.

CT HB05211

An Act Concerning Virtual Currency And Money Transmission.

CT SB00016

An Act Concerning Revenue Items To Implement The Governor's Budget.

CT HB05376

An Act Concerning Home Improvement Contractors And Salespersons.

CT HB05117

An Act Concerning The Estate And Gift Taxes And The Use Of The Revenue Generated From Such Taxes.

CT HB05002

An Act Concerning Early Childhood Care And Education.

CT HB05524

An Act Authorizing And Adjusting Bonds Of The State And Concerning Provisions Related To State And Municipal Tax Administration, General Government And School Building Projects.

CT HB05523

An Act Concerning Allocations Of Federal American Rescue Plan Act Funds And Provisions Related To General Government, Human Services, Education And The Biennium Ending June 30, 2025.

CT SB00366

An Act Concerning Medicaid.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.