SB58 Alabama 2018 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Clyde ChamblissSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2018

Title

Crimes and offenses, theft of shoplifting, crime created

Summary

SB 58 would create a new theft-by-shoplifting crime with four levels of penalties based on how much is stolen and certain shoplifting methods.

What This Bill Does

It defines specific acts that count as shoplifting, such as concealing goods, altering price tags, moving items between containers, swapping labels, underpaying, or not paying at self-checkout. It establishes four degrees of theft by shoplifting with corresponding penalties: first degree is a Class B felony for more than $2,500 or as part of a common plan involving at least $1,000 stolen within 180 days; second degree is a Class C felony for $1,500–$2,500 (or theft of a firearm under $2,500); third degree is a Class D felony for $500–$1,500; and fourth degree is a Class A misdemeanor for $500 or less. It also allows prosecution in any county if the offense spans multiple counties and notes an exemption from local funding approval requirements due to constitutional exceptions. The act would take effect on the first day of the third month after passage and governor’s approval.

Who It Affects

• Retail businesses and their employees, who would implement and enforce the new shoplifting rules and face potential criminal charges against shoplifters.
• People who shoplift, who could be charged under four degrees of theft by shoplifting with penalties ranging from a misdemeanor to a felony depending on value and circumstances.

Key Provisions

• Creates theft by shoplifting as a new crime and lists specific acts that qualify as shoplifting (concealing goods, altering price tags, transferring goods, swapping labels, underpaying, and failing to scan at self-checkout).
• Establishes four degrees of theft by shoplifting with penalties: first degree (Class B felony) for value over $2,500 or for certain multi-person schemes with at least $1,000 stolen in 180 days; second degree (Class C felony) for $1,500–$2,500 or theft of a firearm under $2,500; third degree (Class D felony) for $500–$1,500; fourth degree (Class A misdemeanor) for $500 or less.
• Specifies venue flexibility: if the offense involves two or more counties, prosecution may be in any county where the offense occurred or where property was disposed.
• Notes the bill would involve a new or increased local expenditure, but it is exempt from local funding approval requirements under Amendment 621 due to specified exceptions because it creates a new crime.
• Effective date: the first day of the third month after passage and governor's approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Crimes and Offenses