HB5486 Summary

• Amends theft statute to include theft by threat alongside theft by deception and unauthorized control as criminal conduct requiring intent to permanently deprive owner of property use or benefit.

• Establishes enhanced penalties for theft offenses committed in schools, places of worship, or involving governmental property, raising felony classifications by one or more levels.

• Increases penalties for theft by deception or threat targeting victims age 60 and older involving $5,000 or more to Class 2 felony.

• Creates tiered felony classifications for fraudulent landlord impersonation theft schemes, ranging from Class 3 to Class X felony based on amount of rent or security deposit obtained.

• Permits permissive inferences of theft intent when lessees fail to return property within specified timeframes after demand, or when service providers fail to return deposits after failing to perform contracted services.