SB405 Summary

• Establishes the Retail Crime Prevention Act creating the crime of theft by shoplifting with four degrees based on merchandise value: first degree exceeds $2,500 (Class B felony), second degree $1,500-$2,500 (Class C felony), third degree $500-$1,500 (Class D felony), and fourth degree under $500 (Class A misdemeanor).

• Defines theft by shoplifting to include concealing items, altering price tags, transferring merchandise between containers, manipulating sales registers, failing to scan items at self-checkout, and tampering with security devices.

• Creates the crime of organized retail theft when a person organizes theft from one or more retail establishments over 180 days with intent to sell stolen property for gain, with aggregate value of $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 at least three years, including transaction date, seller identification, card details, and customer signature, with violations punishable as Class C misdemeanor.

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