HB 646 - Retail Crime Prevention Act

• Establishes the crime of theft by shoplifting with four degrees based on merchandise value: first degree (over $2,500, Class B felony), second degree ($1,500-$2,500 or any firearm under $2,500, Class C felony), third degree ($500-$1,500, Class D felony), and fourth degree (under $500, Class A misdemeanor).

• Creates the crime of organized retail theft when a person organizes theft from retail stores over 180 days with intent to sell stolen property worth $25,000 or more, classified as a Class C felony.

• Requires third party card dealers to maintain permanent records of stored value card transactions for three years, including seller identification, card details, amount, price paid, and customer signature, with violations constituting Class C misdemeanor.

• Defines six specific acts constituting shoplifting, including concealing merchandise, altering price tags, manipulating self-checkout registers, and tampering with security devices.

• Becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval.