The proposed bill aims to establish the criminal offense of organized retail theft in Arkansas by adding a new section to the Arkansas Code. This section defines organized retail theft and outlines the specific actions that constitute the offense, such as theft of consumer goods, aiding in theft, and evading security measures. The bill specifies that a person commits organized retail theft if they act in concert with others to commit theft, and it sets thresholds for the value of stolen property to determine the severity of the felony charge, ranging from Class B to Class D felonies based on the value of the goods stolen.

Additionally, the bill provides that if organized retail theft occurs across multiple judicial districts, the offenses can be aggregated and charged in any of those districts, allowing for concurrent jurisdiction. This legislative change is intended to enhance the enforcement of laws against organized retail theft, which has become a significant issue for retailers. The bill includes detailed definitions and criteria to ensure clarity in prosecution and enforcement.