The proposed bill, H.B. No. 2025-2026, aims to enhance the enforcement of laws against organized retail theft by establishing the Retail Theft Prevention Act. It introduces new definitions for "retail property" and "retail value" and prohibits individuals from knowingly participating in theft of retail property valued at one thousand dollars or more, categorizing such actions as theft. The bill outlines various degrees of theft based on the value of the stolen property, with penalties ranging from misdemeanors to felonies. It also introduces the concept of "group retail theft," with escalating penalties based on the number of participants involved, and includes provisions for the suspension of driving privileges for offenders who commit theft involving gasoline without payment.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws regarding sentencing for violent felonies, particularly those involving firearms and body armor, establishing mandatory additional prison terms for specific violent crimes. It clarifies that courts cannot impose more than one additional prison term for felonies committed as part of the same act and ensures that certain additional prison terms cannot be reduced. The bill also mandates minimum prison terms for specific felonies, including those involving human trafficking and violent crimes against peace officers, and requires that these terms be served consecutively. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance public safety by imposing stricter penalties and ensuring that violent offenders face significant consequences for their actions.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 2913.02, 2929.14