MD HB179

Creates new felony offense of "organized retail theft" defined as committing a series of retail thefts over a 90-day period with aggregate value exceeding $1,500, with intent to permanently deprive, return for gain, or resell the merchandise

Establishes tiered penalties: $1,500-$25,000 value carries up to 5 years imprisonment and/or $10,000 fine; $25,000-$100,000 carries up to 10 years and/or $15,000 fine; $100,000+ carries up to 20 years and/or $25,000 fine

Allows multiple thefts committed across different Maryland counties under one scheme to be joined and prosecuted together in any county where a theft occurred

Expands "value" calculation to include property damaged during the crime and costs to repair, replace, or restock stolen or damaged items

Requires courts to make a finding on whether related crimes (theft, burglary, robbery, firearm offenses) constitute organized retail theft when requested by the State's Attorney, with findings reported to the Criminal Justice Information System