SB206 is a bill that creates the Retail Theft Crime Prevention Act in Alabama. The bill defines terms related to retail theft and organized retail theft and outlines actions that constitute retail theft, such as concealing merchandise and altering price tags. It establishes different degrees of retail theft based on the value of the stolen merchandise, with penalties ranging from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class B felony. The bill also defines and establishes penalties for organized retail theft, which involves multiple individuals working together to commit retail theft. It allows for the forfeiture of proceeds and property obtained through organized retail theft or retail theft and requires restitution to be made to victims and law enforcement entities involved in the investigation and prosecution of the crime.

The bill includes several provisions, including allowing for the prosecution of violations in circuit or district court, regardless of the defendant's physical presence in the county where the crime took place. It establishes that concealing merchandise without paying for it is evidence of intent to deprive the merchant of the full value of the merchandise. The bill also allows for the issuance of warrants for retail theft or organized retail theft remotely, digitally, via video link, or by telephone. Additionally, the bill requires various agencies to develop training for prosecutors and law enforcement agencies to combat organized retail crime and make recommendations to the legislature and governor regarding public safety and the prevention of organized retail crime. The bill will become effective on the first day of the third month following its passage and approval by the Governor or its otherwise becoming law.