summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill establishes the crime of gang shoplifting as a crime of the third degree. A person commits the crime of gang shoplifting if, in concert or participation with one or more other persons, the person enters the premises of a store or retail mercantile establishment and in an open and conspicuous manner: (1) purposely or knowingly takes possession of, carries away, transfers or causes to be carried away or transferred, any item displayed, held, stored, or offered for sale by any store or other retail mercantile establishment with the intention of depriving the merchant of the possession, use, or benefit of the item or converting the item to the use of the person without paying to the merchant the full retail value thereof; or (2) purposely, knowingly, or recklessly tampers with tangible property within or on the premises of the store or retail mercantile establishment so as to endanger any person, or the property or premises of the store or retail mercantile establishment, including the damaging or destroying of any item on the premises of the store or retail mercantile establishment. A crime of the third degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of three to five years, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. A person who commits gang shoplifting is required to minimum term of imprisonment of not less than one year, during which time the person is not eligible for parole. It is the intent of the sponsor to address the rise in flash mobs which organize the looting of stores in an open and conspicuous manner.
AI Summary
This bill establishes the crime of "gang shoplifting" to address organized retail theft, often carried out by groups in a noticeable way. It defines gang shoplifting as when two or more people work together to enter a store and, in a very obvious manner, either steal items with the intent to keep them without paying the full price, or intentionally damage or tamper with merchandise in a way that endangers people or property. This offense is classified as a third-degree crime, which typically carries a prison sentence of three to five years, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. However, for gang shoplifting specifically, the bill mandates a minimum prison term of one year, during which the offender cannot be released on parole, reflecting the intent to deter organized looting events.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (5)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Law and Public Safety Committee (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S1011 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S1500/1011_I1.HTM |
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