Ban on gift card expiration dates in Pa. proposed

(Harrisburg) — A midstate lawmaker wants to ban expiration dates on gift cards.

Democratic Senator Rob Teplitz of Dauphin County says similar legislation has passed in other areas.

“Basically, we’re building on federal law, as many other states have done, in order to eliminate the expiration date,” he says.

Teplitz would also outlaw fees attached to gift cards, sometimes known as service charges or account maintenance fees.

He says it would apply to any retailer that had a physical presence in Pennsylvania.

As for now, he says consumers need to take a little extra time.

“Make sure to check the fine print, use them before the expiration dates, make sure they’re not subjected to any penalties if they wait to use them.”

The legislation has been sent to a state Senate committee.