The Retail Theft Crime Prevention Act introduces comprehensive legal definitions and penalties for retail theft in Alabama, categorizing offenses into three degrees based on the value of stolen merchandise. Retail theft is defined as the unauthorized control of retail items with the intent to deprive the owner, encompassing actions like concealing items and bypassing security measures. The bill establishes first-degree theft for amounts exceeding $2,500 or involving firearms, second-degree theft for amounts between $500 and $2,500, and third-degree theft for amounts not exceeding $500, with corresponding penalties of Class B felony, Class C felony, and Class A misdemeanor, respectively. Additionally, organized retail theft, which involves collaboration to commit theft, is classified as a Class B felony.

The bill also introduces amendments to existing laws, including the establishment of prima facie evidence for retail theft, allowing prosecution in any county where part of the crime occurred, and enabling remote warrant issuance. It mandates coordinated training among law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies to address organized retail crime. Importantly, the bill clarifies that mere possession of goods or improperly priced merchandise does not imply guilt and excludes the new provisions from additional local funding requirements under the Alabama Constitution. The act is set to take effect three months after passage and approval by the Governor.