This bill aims to combat retail theft by establishing a dedicated retail theft unit and appropriating $1 million for its operations. It expands the definition of "dealing in stolen property" to include online transactions and introduces a new offense called "fostering the sale of stolen property," which penalizes individuals who assist in selling stolen goods online. The bill also amends the assault statute to categorize assaults against retail employees as aggravated assault, thereby enhancing protections for those working in the retail sector.

Additionally, the bill introduces significant amendments to the shoplifting statute, allowing for the aggregation of merchandise value over a year to determine offense severity and imposing mandatory community service for shoplifting convictions. It elevates the crime of leading an organized retail theft enterprise to a first-degree crime, introduces penalties for gift card fraud, and mandates training for retail employees on identifying such fraud. The bill also outlines responsibilities for third-party gift card resellers and establishes an Organized Retail Theft Unit within the Attorney General's office to strengthen enforcement against organized retail crime.

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