Maryland Commercial Law Section 14-1319

CAUTION: READ FULL TEXT OF SECTION FOR SPECIAL NOTE

** SPECIAL NOTE: EFFECTIVE - JULY 1, 2006 - CHAPTER 456 - 2005 **

      (a)      (1)      In this section, "gift certificate" means a device constructed of paper, plastic, or any other material that is:

                  (i)      Sold or issued by a person for a cash value that can be used to purchase goods or services; or

                  (ii)      Issued as a store credit for returned goods.

            (2)      "Gift certificate" does not include:

                  (i)      A prepaid telephone calling card;

                  (ii)      A prepaid technical support card;

                  (iii)      A prepaid card for Internet services;

                  (iv)      A coupon for discounted goods or services;

                  (v)      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

                  (vi)      A gift card that:

                        1.      Is processed through a national credit or debit card service; and

                        2.      May be used to purchase goods or services from multiple unaffiliated sellers of goods or services.

      (b)      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.

      (c)      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:

            (1)      The front or back of the gift certificate;

            (2)      A sticker permanently affixed to the gift certificate; or

            (3)      An envelope containing the gift certificate.

      (d)      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.

      (e)      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.

      (f)      A violation of any provision of this section:

            (1)      Is an unfair or deceptive trade practice within the meaning of Title 13 of this article; and

            (2)      Is subject to the enforcement and penalty provisions contained in Title 13 of this article, except § 13-411 of this article.