Bill Would Eliminate Gift Card Expiration Dates

Legislation that would eliminate expiration dates on gift cards has been introduced at the state Capitol.

The House bills introduced by representatives Abdullah Hammoud of Dearborn and Robert Wittenberg of Oak Park would amend the Consumer Protection Act.

Along with eliminating the expiration dates, some prepaid discount cards would also be classified as gift cards.

Federal law requires gift cards to be valid for five years.

Some states have prohibited expiration dates on the cards all together, while others have approved legislation extending the dates.

The two sponsors say they have bi-partisan support.

The legislation is expected to taken up in committee in the near future.