The bill H. 3523 aims to amend Section 16-13-135 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, which currently addresses retail theft. The proposed changes include the introduction of new definitions and the establishment of two distinct offenses: "organized retail crime" and "organized retail crime of an aggravated nature." The bill outlines a graduated penalty structure for these offenses, with specific penalties based on the value of the stolen retail property. For instance, a first offense of organized retail crime could result in a misdemeanor or felony charge depending on the value of the property, while subsequent offenses would be classified as felonies regardless of value.

Additionally, the bill specifies that acts committed in different counties can be aggregated for prosecution in any one of those counties, and it allows for the forfeiture of property acquired through violations of this section. The penalties for aggravated offenses include harsher fines and imprisonment terms, particularly if the crime involves significant property damage or bodily injury. The bill is set to take effect upon the Governor's approval.

Statutes affected:
12/05/2024: 16-13-135
02/06/2025: 16-13-135
02/19/2025: 16-13-135
02/25/2025: 16-13-135
02/25/2025-A: 16-13-135
Latest Version: 16-13-135