The bill, known as the Retail Theft Crime Prevention Act, introduces new legal definitions and provisions to address retail theft and organized retail theft in Alabama. It defines various terms related to retail theft, categorizes retail theft into three degrees based on the value of the stolen merchandise, and establishes organized retail theft as a Class B felony under certain conditions. The bill also sets forth procedures for forfeiture and restitution related to retail theft crimes.

Key changes in the bill include the ability to charge an individual with theft if they are informed that the property is stolen, embezzled, or converted; the specification that violations can be prosecuted in circuit or district court and in any county where part of the crime occurred; the consideration of concealed merchandise as prima facie evidence of intent to steal; the authorization of remote issuance of warrants for retail theft; and the requirement for various state offices and associations to develop training and make recommendations for combating organized retail crime. The bill will take effect on the first day of the third month after its passage and approval by the Governor or its otherwise becoming law.