House Bill 207 amends Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically Section 39-14-113, to enhance the legal framework surrounding organized retail crime. The bill changes the timeframe for aggregating offenses from "ninety-day period" to "one-hundred-eighty-day period." Additionally, it introduces several new subdivisions that outline specific actions constituting organized retail crime, including the removal or destruction of anti-shoplifting devices, interference with fire alarm systems, and the use of online platforms to sell stolen merchandise. It also addresses the possession of fraudulently obtained access devices and establishes penalties for violations that involve property destruction or weapon use.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that a violation of the newly defined subsection (c) will result in a punishment that is one classification higher than what is currently provided in Section 39-14-105 if the offense involves destruction of property or the use of a weapon. This legislative change aims to strengthen the enforcement against organized retail crime and enhance penalties for offenders, thereby promoting greater protection for retailers and consumers alike. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 39-14-113(c)(1), 39-14-113, 39-14-113(c), 39-14-113(d)