The bill amends existing laws concerning the possession and trafficking of stolen property, particularly focusing on altered property and the sale of stolen domestic companion animals. It establishes that dealers who knowingly possess property with altered identifying features are guilty of possession of altered property and defines the crime of dealing in stolen property, including trafficking through online platforms. The bill categorizes dealing in stolen domestic companion animals as a third-degree crime and introduces presumptions for prosecutions related to fencing offenses, such as inferring knowledge of stolen property based on significantly below-market sale prices.

Additionally, the bill revises assault statutes to provide detailed definitions and classifications of assault offenses, particularly aggravated assault against law enforcement and emergency personnel, with stricter penalties for such offenses. It enhances penalties and enforcement measures related to shoplifting and organized retail theft, including establishing a dedicated task force by the Attorney General and mandating employee training to prevent gift card fraud. The bill also introduces new regulations for the sale and management of gift cards, imposing civil penalties for violations and requiring retailers to provide warnings about gift card scams. The act is set to take effect immediately, with certain sections remaining inoperative until October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2C:20-7.1, 2C:20-11.2, 54:52-9, 54:52-15, 56:8-110.1
Advance Law: 2C:20-7.1, 2C:20-11.2, 54:52-9, 54:52-15, 56:8-110.1
Pamphlet Law: 2C:20-7.1, 54:52-9, 54:52-15, 56:8-110.1