BILL NUMBER: S5648
SPONSOR: ASHBY
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the penal law, in relation to grand larceny in the
fourth degree
 
PURPOSE:
To crack down on repeat offenders of petit larceny and shoplifting.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 amends section 155.30 of the penal law by making a person who
commits repeated thefts (petit larceny) guilty of grand larceny in the
fourth degree (a Class E felony). Repeated thefts is defined as being
convicted of petit larceny 2 times within any three month period, or 3
times with any twelve month period.
Section 2 sets the effective date to immediately.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Shoplifting and other acts of petit larceny are ongoing issues that
plague store owners and ultimately hurts the NYS economy. Many stores
are faced everyday with shoplifters. This bill will increase the penalty
on repeat shoplifters who commit "petit larceny", or steal smaller
items.
Specifically, people who shoplift 2 times in three months or 3 times in
twelve months will be guilty of grand larceny. When convicted of these
crimes in the fourth degree, the offender could be sentenced up to four
years imprisonment and fined. This bill will help store owners protect
their livelihood and create a safer environment for residents.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-24: S.7599, referred to Codes.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Immediately.

Statutes affected:
S5648: 155.30 penal law