Bill > H1321

This bill proposes to amend Chapter 266 of the General Laws by adding a new paragraph to Section 128 to establish penalties for the theft of bulk merchandise containers, which are defined as containers used by businesses for the bulk transportation, storage, or carrying of retail products like milk, eggs, or bottled beverages. The bill specifies that intentionally removing such a container from a store or retail establishment without the merchant's consent, with the intent to permanently deprive the merchant of it, will result in penalties. For a first offense, the penalty is a fine up to $100; for a second offense, a fine between $100 and $250; and for a third or subsequent offense, a fine up to $500 or imprisonment for up to six months, or both. Additionally, if the retail value of the stolen containers is $100 or more, the penalty increases to a fine up to $1,000 or imprisonment in the house of correction for up to one year, or both.