Bill > S0545

This bill provides comprehensive reforms to Rhode Island's laws regarding larceny and shoplifting, focusing on reducing criminal penalties and creating a more nuanced approach to theft offenses. The legislation establishes a tiered penalty system for larceny based on the value of stolen items, with penalties ranging from community service for items under $25 to up to 10 years imprisonment for items over $10,000 or stolen firearms. Notably, the bill eliminates misdemeanor classifications for shoplifting offenses under $250 for first-time offenders and under $25 for subsequent offenses, instead allowing for community service, fines, or civil restitution. The bill also repeals several existing statutes related to specific types of theft, including provisions about habitual offenders, insurance fraud, and fraudulent use of public assistance benefits. Additionally, the legislation modifies rules around electronic benefit transfer cards, preventing punitive actions against recipients who might inadvertently use their cards at restricted establishments. The monetary thresholds for penalties will be adjusted annually to reflect median income growth, providing a more dynamic approach to determining theft severity. Overall, the bill aims to create a more proportional and rehabilitative approach to handling theft-related offenses.

Justice

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