General Assembly Raised Bill No. 5563 seeks to amend existing laws concerning organized retail theft, larceny, and related offenses. The bill introduces new definitions, such as "retail property fence," and establishes penalties for organized retail theft, which involves collaborative shoplifting of retail property valued over $2,000. Individuals who assist in the distribution or concealment of stolen retail property, including online, can be charged as accessories. The penalties for these offenses are classified as class D felonies, escalating to class C felonies if the financial benefit exceeds $10,000. Additionally, the bill modernizes the language of the law by replacing gender-specific pronouns with gender-neutral terms, ensuring inclusivity in legal definitions.

The legislation also expands the definitions of various theft-related crimes, including library theft and the conversion of leased property, while introducing new offenses such as "fostering the sale of stolen property." It clarifies that individuals who fail to return leased property within 192 hours after a written demand are presumed to have the intent to convert the property for personal use. Furthermore, the bill modifies civil liability for individuals over eighteen or emancipated minors who take possession of goods without consent, increasing potential punitive damages from $300 to $1,000. The effective date for these amendments is set for October 1, 2026, aiming to enhance the enforcement of theft laws and improve the handling of parentage information.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 53-142k, 52-564a