MS SB2549

Lowers the felony threshold for shoplifting from $1,000 to $250, making theft of merchandise valued over $250 a felony punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment and/or a $10,000 fine

Reduces the misdemeanor shoplifting threshold from $1,000 to $250, with first offenses punishable by up to $750 fine and/or 6 months jail time

Creates a felony charge for third or subsequent shoplifting convictions where merchandise value is $100 or more, punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and/or $2,000 fine (previously required $500-$1,000 value for 3-year maximum)

Expands the time period for aggregating shoplifting values from 30 days to 2 years, allowing prosecutors to combine thefts from multiple stores over a longer timeframe to reach felony thresholds

Authorizes courts to order restitution of up to twice the value of shoplifted property in addition to other penalties