Ohio Looking to Set Minimum on Gift-Card Expiration

Columbus, Ohio The state of Ohio is considering a two-year minimum on gift-card expiration.

The measure, which passed the Senate in June, also would prevent retailers from charging fees that reduce the value of the cards during that time.

Sen. Robert Spada, a North Royalton Republican, said he introduced the legislation after getting complaints from family, friends and constituents who were concerned that their gift cards were no longer usable when they tried to redeem them.

The bill has been held up in a House committee, where representatives have been working to clarify which cards would be covered. About a dozen states have passed laws regulating gift cards’ expiration dates.