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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Two wheels to freedom: Phoenix camp helps kids with disabilities learn to ride ... Rocker's old house vaults Williams into the spotlight ... Mail Tribune garners 11 first-place wins at ONPA ... Two wheels to freedom: Phoenix camp helps kids with disabilities learn to ride ... Rocker's old house vaults Williams into the spotlight ... Mail Tribune garners 11 first-place wins at ONPA ... SINCE YOU ASKED Since You Asked: Gift cards can't expire in Oregon Comment MailTribune.com Writer Posted Dec. 22, 2014 at 2:00 AM Updated Dec 22, 2014 at 5:18 AM Posted Dec. 22, 2014 at 2:00 AM Updated Dec 22, 2014 at 5:18 AM » Social News Several years ago I read that Oregon is among only a handful of states that ban the use of expiration dates on gift certificates. I promptly clipped the article and mailed it to our corporate powers in Portland, as our business routinely issues gift certificates. They promptly lost the article. I've since tried online to find the Oregon Revised Statute that addresses this, to no avail. Since 'tis the season, might the SYA super-sleuths determine if this was all a figment of my imagination? I plan to buy several gift certificates this holiday season, and your response will determine whether or not I move forward. — Christine, Ashland Good news, you'll still get to be "Chris" Kringle to your friends this holiday season. The Oregon Department of Justice's Consumer Protection Division referenced Oregon Revised Statutes 646A.274 to 646A.278, which forbid service fees and expiration dates on retail gift cards issued in Oregon. That said, there are some caveats. First, the laws are applicable only to gift cards purchased for use at retail stores. Those "gift cards" issued by major credit card companies are considered "General use pre-paid cards," and are subject to expiration dates and service fees. Prepaid calling cards (remember those?) are also exempt from the law. The law also only applies to retail gift cards purchased at full price. Retail gift cards purchased at a discount are allowed to have an expiration date, but Oregon law mandates it must be at least 30 days after the card was purchased. It's also a good idea to be aware of the financial condition of the store issuing gift cards before you buy. We're past the dark days of the recession when stores such as Circuit City and Waldenbooks went belly-up seemingly overnight, but it's worth noting that a bankruptcy or store closure can render a retail gift card useless. Send questions to “Since You Asked,” Mail Tribune Newsroom, P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501; by fax to 541-776-4376; or by email to [email protected]. We’re sorry, but the volume of questions received prevents us from answering all of them. MailTribune.com Writer Posted Dec. 22, 2014 at 2:00 AM Updated Dec 22, 2014 at 5:18 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2015 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MailTribune.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501