Rhode Island House Bill H6212

Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/9/25
• Refer: 4/9/25

Caption

Makes offenses against gift card holders subject to the penalties for larceny.

Impact

If enacted, H6212 will modify existing laws under Chapter 6-59 of the General Laws by creating specific penalties for individuals who engage in fraudulent activities with gift cards. The penalties will range from fines to possible imprisonment, depending on the value of the fraud. This move by the Rhode Island General Assembly is likely aimed at increasing consumer protection and deterrence against gift card-related crimes, which have become more prevalent in recent years.

Summary

House Bill 6212 focuses on addressing gift card fraud by aligning the penalties for offenses against gift card holders with those designated for larceny. The bill proposes amendments to the General Laws regarding gift card fraud to include stricter definitions and penalties for various fraudulent activities associated with gift cards. This includes unauthorized acquisition, possession, and tampering with gift cards, making it a more severe offense with substantial consequences for violators.

Contention

There could be points of contention relating to the enforcement of the new penalties and how they might affect everyday consumers and businesses that rely on gift cards for transactions. Critics may argue that increased penalties could lead to unintended consequences, such as penalizing individuals involved in legitimate transactions. Moreover, questions might arise regarding the adequacy of given definitions and whether the law effectively addresses the complexities of modern fraud schemes involving gift cards.