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<section article="gcl" article_name="Commercial Law" number="14-1319" title_number="14" title_name="Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions" subtitle_number="13" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions">
  <level label="a">
    <level label="1">
      <text>In this section, “gift certificate” means a device constructed of paper, plastic, or any other material that is:</text>
      <level label="i">
        <text>Sold or issued by a person for a cash value that can be used to purchase goods or services; or</text>
      </level>
      <level label="ii">
        <text>Issued as a store credit for returned goods.</text>
      </level>
    </level>
    <level label="2">
      <text>“Gift certificate” does not include:</text>
      <level label="i">
        <text>A prepaid telephone calling card;</text>
      </level>
      <level label="ii">
        <text>A prepaid technical support card;</text>
      </level>
      <level label="iii">
        <text>A prepaid card for Internet services;</text>
      </level>
      <level label="iv">
        <text>A coupon for discounted goods or services;</text>
      </level>
      <level label="v">
        <text>A gift certificate that is distributed to an individual under an awards, loyalty, or promotional program in which the recipient does not give money or value for the gift certificate; or</text>
      </level>
      <level label="vi">
        <text>A gift card that:</text>
        <level label="1">
          <text>Is processed through a national credit or debit card service; and</text>
        </level>
        <level label="2">
          <text>May be used to purchase goods or services from multiple unaffiliated sellers of goods or services.</text>
        </level>
      </level>
    </level>
  </level>
  <level label="b">
    <text>A person may not sell or issue a gift certificate that, within 4 years after the date of purchase, is subject to expiration or a fee or charge of any kind.</text>
  </level>
  <level label="c">
    <text>Any term or condition concerning expiration or a fee or charge that takes effect more than 4 years after the date of purchase must be printed clearly in at least 10 point type in a visible place on:</text>
    <level label="1">
      <text>The front or back of the gift certificate;</text>
    </level>
    <level label="2">
      <text>A sticker permanently affixed to the gift certificate; or</text>
    </level>
    <level label="3">
      <text>An envelope containing the gift certificate.</text>
    </level>
  </level>
  <level label="d">
    <text>Unless the change benefits the consumer, a term or condition disclosed under subsection (c) of this section may not be changed after the date of purchase or issuance.</text>
  </level>
  <level label="e">
    <text>A gift certificate that is sold or issued in violation of this section shall be considered valid and may not be subject to expiration or any fee or charge.</text>
  </level>
  <level label="f">
    <text>A violation of any provision of this section:</text>
    <level label="1">
      <text>Is an unfair or deceptive trade practice within the meaning of Title 13 of this article; and</text>
    </level>
    <level label="2">
      <text>Is subject to the enforcement and penalty provisions contained in Title 13 of this article, except § 13-411 of this article.</text>
    </level>
  </level>
</section>
