HB 1679 -- Stealing Merchandise

Co-Sponsors:  Scott, Marble

This bill makes it a class C felony to steal goods, wares, or
merchandise from 3 separate mercantile establishments in one
criminal episode, regardless of the value of the goods.

The bill also makes it a class D felony to possess, use, or
counterfeit a sales receipt or universal product code label with
the intent to cheat or defraud a retailer.  A class C felony is
imposed on persons who possess 15 or more fraudulent sales
receipts or universal product code labels, or who possess a
device to fraudulently manufacture such receipts or labels.

The bill creates the crime of unlawful use of a theft detection
shielding device, which is a class C felony, and is committed
when an individual knowingly uses or possesses such a device.
The bill also creates the crime of unlawful possession of a
theft detection device remover, which is a class C felony.