summary
Introduced
02/19/2026
02/19/2026
In Committee
02/19/2026
02/19/2026
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 new crime of "gang shoplifting" to address organized retail theft, often seen in "flash mobs" where groups loot stores openly. A person commits this crime if they act with one or more others, enter a store, and conspicuously steal items with the intent to deprive the merchant of their value, or if they tamper with or damage property within the store in a way that endangers people or property. Gang shoplifting is classified as a third-degree crime, which typically carries a prison sentence of three to five years and a fine of up to $15,000, but this bill mandates a minimum one-year prison term with no possibility of parole for those convicted of gang shoplifting. The bill also specifies that convictions for gang shoplifting cannot be combined or merged with other criminal offenses.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Judiciary Committee (on 02/19/2026)
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/A4371 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A4500/4371_I1.HTM |
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