An Act to Criminalize Certain Offenses Related to Gift Card Thefts
Sponsored By: Matthew Harrington
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Clearer theft rules for gift cards
The law defines what "retail merchandise" means in theft cases. It covers any item a store displays, keeps, or sells to shoppers. It expressly includes gift cards, electronics, and other tangible goods. Police, prosecutors, and courts now use this meaning when charging theft. This makes it clearer to pursue gift card theft and similar crimes.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Matthew Harrington
Affiliation unavailable
Cosponsors
Chad Perkins
Republican • House
Robert Nutting
Republican • House
Scott Cyrway
Republican • Senate
W. Crockett
Independent • House
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Signed by Governor, ACTPUB Chapter 714
4/15/2026On motion by Senator ROTUNDO of Androscoggin taken from the Special Appropriations Table. Subsequently, PASSED TO BE ENACTED in concurrence.
4/13/2026SenateCARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to any special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 800.
6/25/2025SenateOn motion by Senator ROTUNDO of Androscoggin PLACED ON THE SPECIAL APPROPRIATIONS TABLE pending ENACTMENT in concurrence
6/2/2025SenatePASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
6/2/2025HouseReports READ.On motion of Representative HASENFUS of Readfield, the Majority Ought to Pass as Amended Report was ACCEPTED.The Bill was READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (S-177) was READ and ADOPTED.Under suspension of the rules, the Bill was given its SECOND READING without REFERENCE to the Committee on Bills in the Second Reading.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (S-177). In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
6/2/2025HouseReports READ On motion by Senator BEEBE-CENTER of Knox The Majority Ought to Pass As Amended Report ACCEPTED. Bill READ ONCE. Committee Amendment "A" (S-177) READ and ADOPTED. Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED by Committee Amendment "A" (S-177) Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence
5/29/2025SenateThe Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY.In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
4/24/2025HouseCommittee on CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY suggested and ordered printed REFERENCE to the Committee on CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence
4/24/2025Senate
Bill Text
Amendment C-A (S-177), adopted by House & Senate
Enacted
Introduced
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