HB 1966 Summary

• Creates the Organized Retail Crime Act, defining "organized retail crime" as theft of retail merchandise from merchants with intent to resell, distribute, or reenter it into commerce through personal transfer, mail, or electronic means.

• Establishes eight specific unlawful acts including knowingly committing organized retail crime, managing or financing such crimes, tampering with antishoplifting devices, conspiracy, receiving stolen merchandise, using facilitating devices or tools, interfering with fire exit alarms, and fraudulent wireless telecommunications transactions.

• Classifies organized retail crime as a felony punishable by imprisonment up to 5 years, a fine of $5,000, or both; stolen merchandise with unidentifiable true owners is subject to state forfeiture.

• Requires courts to order restitution to retail merchant victims and establishes that property does not need to be actually stolen if explicitly represented as stolen to the accused.

• Authorizes state and local law enforcement agencies to collaborate and develop partnerships with retail merchants and other agencies to detect and deter retail theft; becomes effective November 1, 2015.