Honest gift cards.

• Position: STATELINE - Brief article

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Illinois is looking to join a growing number of states that more closely control retail gift cards. Despite opposition from retailers, legislation outlawing expiration dates and fees on gift cards has been unanimously approved by the Illinois House. "People should expect if you give $50 that you're going to get $50 in return," says Jack Franks, sponsor of the bill. "I think it's a common-sense bill." He says merchants make about $4 billion on expired gift cards each year. Illinois Retail Merchants Association spokesman Rob Karr says that...