SB48 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Clyde ChamblissSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

Crimes and offenses, theft of shoplifting, crime created

Summary

SB48 creates a new crime called theft by shoplifting with penalties that depend on how much merchandise is stolen, and it notes an amendment about local funding that is exempt because the bill itself defines a new crime.

What This Bill Does

The bill defines theft by shoplifting and identifies specific acts that meet the crime (such as concealing items, altering price tags, transferring items to pay less, causing the cash register to reflect a lower value, not scanning at self-checkout, and disabling security devices). It assigns penalties based on the value of the stolen merchandise: first degree for over $2,500 (Class B felony); second degree for $1,500 to $2,500 (Class C felony, including firearms in this range); third degree for $500 to $1,500 (Class D felony); and fourth degree for $0 to $500 (Class A misdemeanor). The bill defines key terms like value, merchandise, merchant, and premises, and provides prima facie evidence standards for intent to deprive. It also addresses the amendment about local-funding requirements, stating the bill is exempt because it creates a new crime. The act would take effect on the first day of the third month after it passes and is approved by the governor.

Who It Affects

• Individuals who shoplift, since their potential penalties depend on the stolen amount and the specific actions taken to commit the theft.
• Retail merchants and law enforcement/prosecutors, who would enforce the new crime, rely on defined terms (merchandise, value, premises) and use evidence such as price tags, labels, and security devices for prosecution.

Key Provisions

• Establishes theft by shoplifting as a crime with multiple qualifying actions (concealing items, altering price labels, transferring items to pay less, understating value on the register, failing to scan at self-checkout, and disabling security devices).
• Defines terms: value (actual retail price before theft), merchandise, merchant, premises, and concealment.
• Imposes penalty structure by stolen-value: >$2,500 (first degree, Class B felony); $1,500–$2,500 (second degree, Class C felony, including firearms within this range); $500–$1,500 (third degree, Class D felony); ≤$500 (fourth degree, Class A misdemeanor).
• Provides prima facie evidence rules for intent to deprive and confirms evidence of value via unaltered price tags or approved photos.
• Notes an Amendment 621 local-funding provision and states the bill is exempt because it defines a new crime or amends a crime.
• Effective date: first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 23, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Crimes and Offenses