Bill > HB948

This bill amends Maryland's criminal law to address organized retail theft. Key provisions include: 1. Allowing multiple thefts committed by the same person across multiple counties under one scheme to be joined and prosecuted in any county where one of the thefts occurred. 2. Prohibiting one or more persons from committing a series of thefts from retail merchants over a 90-day period with an aggregate value exceeding $1,500. This is defined as "organized retail theft" and carries felony penalties based on the total value of the stolen property. 3. Requiring a court to make a finding on whether a theft-related crime is considered "organized retail theft" for the purpose of reporting to the state's criminal justice information system. The bill aims to enhance the state's ability to prosecute and punish organized retail theft, which involves coordinated shoplifting or theft activities targeting multiple retail businesses.

Justice

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0948?ys=2024RS