Bill > H409

This bill, concerning penalties for shoplifting, amends existing law by adding new provisions that require merchants, their agents, or attorneys to provide detailed information when asserting a claim against an individual for shoplifting. Crucially, unless a merchant has already filed a lawsuit and won a civil judgment, they cannot demand payment for more than the actual value of the stolen or damaged merchandise plus $50, unless the individual has been convicted of a related criminal offense under a specific section of the law (section thirty A of chapter two hundred and sixty-six). Soliciting payment beyond this limit would result in a fine of up to $500.