The bill amends Section 11-41-20 of the General Laws concerning shoplifting, introducing new definitions and clarifying the legal framework surrounding the crime. Key definitions include "conceal," "full retail value," "merchandise," "merchant," and "retail mercantile establishment." The bill outlines various actions that constitute shoplifting, such as taking merchandise without payment, altering price tags, and removing shopping carts without consent. It establishes penalties for shoplifting, including fines and imprisonment, with increased penalties for repeat offenders and for those involved in shoplifting merchandise valued over $100.

A significant addition to the law is the provision that when two or more individuals conspire to commit shoplifting, they can be charged as a group for the felony offense. This change aims to address organized shoplifting activities more effectively. The penalties for individuals found guilty of this collective action mirror those for individual shoplifting offenses, with fines up to $5,000 and imprisonment for up to five years. The act will take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
822: 11-41-20