Delaware · 153rd General Assembly (2025-2026) · Bill
SB 280: AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 11 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THEFT.
Enacted Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
SB 280 is a bill introduced in the Delaware Senate on April 15, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 11 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THEFT. Primary sponsor: Bryan Townsend (Democratic), Bill Bush (Democratic). It lists 2 additional sponsors. Most recent recorded action (September 2, 2026): Signed by Governor.
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.
Scams and fraud related to gift cards are rapidly becoming a major issue in the United States. The Federal Trade Commission reported more than 41,000 gift card fraud reports or $212 million in losses in 2024 with the final numbers for 2025 expected to be similar. With advancements in technology, these scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated and consequential for consumers. This Act sets forth the definitions and elements of crimes related to gift card theft. It establishes that a person is guilty of gift card theft if one of the following criteria is true (with the intent to defraud): 1. Acquires or retains possession of a gift card or gift card redemption information without the consent of the cardholder, card issuer, or gift card seller. 2. Alters or tampers with a gift card or the packaging in which it is offered for sale. 3. Devises a scheme to obtain a gift card or gift card redemption information that has been obtained in violation of paragraph (b)(1) or (2) of this section or as a result of a scheme described in paragraph (b)(3) of this section. 4. Uses, for the purpose of obtaining money, goods, services, or anything else of value, a gift card or gift card redemption information that has been obtained in violation of paragraph (b)(1) or (2) of this section or as a result of a scheme described in paragraph (b)(3) of this section. Lastly, this Act establishes that gift card theft is punishable under § 841(c) and § 841(d) of Title 11.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 4
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryan Townsend | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 11 |
| Bill Bush | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 29 |
| Krista Griffith | Co-sponsor | Democratic | House | 12 |
| Larry Lambert | Co-sponsor | Democratic | House | 7 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- Signed by Governor
- Passed By House. Votes: 36 YES 5 ABSENT
- Reported Out of Committee (Judiciary) in House with 8 On Its Merits
- Assigned to Judiciary Committee in House
- Passed By Senate. Votes: 20 YES 1 ABSENT
- Reported Out of Committee (Judiciary) in Senate with 4 On Its Merits
- Introduced and Assigned to Judiciary Committee in Senate