MS SB2349

Revises the definition of "organized retail theft" to include obtaining retail merchandise in abnormal quantities for resale through theft, embezzlement, fraud, or illegal means, and recruitment of persons for such activities.

Defines "organized retail theft enterprise" as any association of two or more persons engaged in transferring or selling merchandise, services, or information with pecuniary value causing victim loss, including planned or systematic schemes to carry out organized retail theft or fraud.

Makes it unlawful to conduct, organize, supervise, or manage an organized retail theft or retail fraud enterprise, with criminal conduct including shoplifting, computer fraud, identity fraud, and fraudulent use of credit/debit card numbers.

Allows aggregation of merchandise values or pecuniary losses across multiple acts committed as part of a single scheme or course of conduct or in furtherance of an organized retail theft enterprise.

Takes effect July 1, 2023.