The bill amends New Jersey laws concerning the possession and trafficking of stolen property, particularly focusing on the sale of stolen domestic companion animals. It establishes that dealers who knowingly possess altered property, such as items with removed or altered identifying features, are guilty of possession of altered property. Additionally, it introduces a new section defining "fostering the sale of stolen property" as a disorderly persons offense, which includes advertising or assisting in the sale of stolen property through various means, including online platforms. The bill also outlines specific presumptions for prosecutions related to the sale of stolen property, such as selling items at prices significantly below their fair market value.

Moreover, the bill enhances penalties and enforcement measures related to shoplifting and organized retail theft, establishing that assault by auto or vessel is a third-degree crime if bodily injury occurs near school crossings. It introduces stricter penalties for shoplifting based on merchandise value and mandates community service for offenders, while also allowing for extended imprisonment for repeat offenders. The Attorney General is tasked with combating organized retail theft through a dedicated task force, and the bill includes provisions for training retail employees to detect gift card fraud. Additionally, it regulates the sale of gift cards to protect consumers from scams, imposing civil penalties for violations and requiring third-party gift card resellers to maintain detailed transaction records for law enforcement access. The act will 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