Bill > H210

This bill amends existing laws to better regulate secondhand dealers and combat retail theft. It defines a "secondhand dealer" as anyone engaged in selling used goods, wares, or merchandise in the Commonwealth, and clarifies that selling at a flea market is considered a temporary or transient business. The bill requires transient vendors and secondhand dealers to register with the Department of Revenue, obtain a sales tax identification number, and maintain detailed records of purchases and sales, including the source of merchandise and customer receipts. These businesses must also publicly display their true name, address, license number, and sales tax identification number. Additionally, those who rent space to such vendors must keep records of their leases. The bill also introduces new penalties for various forms of retail theft, including altering price tags, transferring merchandise between containers to avoid paying the full price, and using devices to shield or deactivate theft detection systems. It also strengthens penalties for possessing stolen goods, especially when obtained from multiple retail establishments, and clarifies that the property does not need to be obtained through a theft offense if it was represented as stolen. Finally, it specifically addresses secondhand dealers and transient vendors who buy or conceal stolen property, imposing significant fines and potential imprisonment for violations.