This bill amends section 28-101 of the Revised Statutes Cumulative Supplement, 2024, to introduce new provisions aimed at prohibiting organized retail crimes in Nebraska. It defines key terms such as "aggregated retail market value," "organized retail crime," "retail commerce," "retail merchandise," and "retailer." The bill outlines specific actions that constitute organized retail crime, including knowingly committing the crime, assisting others in committing it, and manipulating anti-shoplifting devices.

Penalties for organized retail crime are established based on the aggregated retail market value of the merchandise involved, with classifications ranging from a Class IIA felony for values of $5,000 or more to a Class I misdemeanor for values between $500 and $1,500. Additionally, the bill stipulates that a second conviction for a Class I misdemeanor will elevate the offense to a Class IV felony. It also clarifies that the value of stolen merchandise must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt in court and that it is not a defense if the merchandise was misrepresented as stolen, embezzled, or converted property. The original section 28-101 is repealed as part of this legislative update.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 28-101