CHAPTER 197
An Act to amend and reenact §§ 18.2-191 , 18.2-192 , 18.2-193 , 18.2-195 , 18.2-197 , 18.2-198 , and 18.2-198.1 of the Code of Virginia, relating to offenses relating to gift cards; penalties.
[S 444]
Approved April 6, 2026
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That §§ 18.2-191 , 18.2-192 , 18.2-193 , 18.2-195 , 18.2-197 , 18.2-198 , and 18.2-198.1 of the Code of Virginia are amended and reenacted as follows:
Article 6.
Offenses Relating to Credit Cards and Gift Cards .
§ 18.2-191 . Definitions.
The following words and phrases as As used in this article, unless the context requires a different meaning is plainly required by the context, shall have the following meanings :
"Acquirer" means a business organization, financial institution or an agent of a business organization or financial institution that authorizes a merchant to accept payment by credit card or credit card number for money, goods, services , or anything else of value.