MS SB2899

Amends Section 97-23-99 to clarify that employees of merchants cannot willfully give away merchandise without receiving full payment or obtaining specific authorization from the merchant.

Removes the previous threshold of $250.00 and establishes new penalties based on merchandise value: merchandise valued under $500.00 is a misdemeanor with fines up to $1,000.00 and/or imprisonment up to one year.

Merchandise valued at $500.00 or more becomes a felony offense punishable by imprisonment up to ten years and/or fines up to $10,000.00.

Effective date is July 1, 2017.