Washington § 19.240.020 - Unlawful actions — Remaining value — Lost/stolen gift certificates.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 19.240.020 — Unlawful actions — Remaining value — Lost/stolen gift certificates., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 19.240.020. Unlawful actions — Remaining value — Lost/stolen gift certificates.

(1) Except as provided in RCW 19.240.030, it is unlawful for any person or entity to issue, or to enforce against a bearer, a gift certificate that contains:
(a) An expiration date;
(b) Any fee, including a service fee; or
(c) A dormancy or inactivity charge.
(2) If a gift certificate is issued with the sale of tangible personal property or services, the gift certificate is subject to subsection (1) of this section.
(3) If a purchase is made with a gift certificate for an amount that is less than the value of the gift certificate, the issuer must make the remaining value available to the bearer in cash or as a gift certificate at the option of the issuer. If after the purchase the remaining value of the gift certificate is less than five dollars, the gift certificate must be redeemable in cash for its remaining value on demand of the bearer. A gift certificate is valid until redeemed or replaced.
(4) This section does not require, unless otherwise required by law, the issuer of a gift certificate to replace a lost or stolen gift certificate.
[ 2019 c 376 s 2; 2004 c 168 s 3.]

Notes

Effective date—2019 c 376: "This act takes effect July 1, 2020." [ 2019 c 376 s 5.]

Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27

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Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 19.240.020

What does Revised Code of Washington § 19.240.020 cover?

Section 19.240.020 ("Unlawful actions — Remaining value — Lost/stolen gift certificates.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Washington § 19.240.020?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 19.240.020" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Washington law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.

How does Washington § 19.240.020 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

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