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Committee advances bill targeting expiring bank-branded 'reward' cards; industry seeks narrower language
Summary
SB 826, sponsored by Senator Leake, would target bank‑branded reward cards that resemble gift cards and can expire; the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association urged the sponsor to refine definitions to avoid unintended consequences for promotions and loyalty programs.
Senate Bill 826, presented by Senator Leake, seeks to address so‑called reward cards that resemble gift cards but are bank‑branded and can expire. "The purpose of this legislation is to get at reward cards. The purpose is not to get at loyalty programs," Leake told the committee, and he said staff would tighten language before the bill's next committee stop.
Carol Dover of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association spoke for informational purposes and thanked the sponsor for engagement, but warned of unintended consequences. Dover said the restaurant and lodging industries use many promotional mechanisms—promotional cards, rebates and loyalty programs—and that careful definition is required so that legitimate promotions are not unintentionally captured. "So we have some education to do as well to make sure, no, that's actually a gift card," she said, urging the committee to work with stakeholders on precise language.
Senator Leake said the bill targets bank‑branded cards that "are gift cards, but they've been purchased as a reward card to get around the gift card statute" and pledged tighter language.
The committee reported SB 826 favorably after discussion; the sponsor said he would return with narrower language in subsequent committee stops.
Actions recorded in committee: SB 826 was reported favorably. The committee record includes informational testimony from industry and sponsor promises to refine statutory language.
