AN ACT CONCERNING CRIMES RELATING TO GIFT CARDS, ORGANIZED RETAIL THEFT, FOSTERING THE SALE OF STOLEN PROPERTY AND CIVIL LIABILITY FOR CERTAIN CONDUCT RELATING TO GOODS, MERCHANDISE OR PRODUCE.

SB 1321 creates new criminal offenses for "organized retail theft" and "accessory to organized retail theft" in Connecticut. It targets individuals who commit shoplifting of retail property (new items sold in stores) with a total value exceeding $2,000 over 365 days, or who knowingly buy or distribute stolen goods from such thefts - especially through online platforms. The bill defines a "retail property fence" as someone who purchases stolen items with intent to distribute or facilitate further theft, and imposes class D felony penalties (or class C if financial gain reaches $10,000+). This directly affects shoplifters, resellers of stolen goods, and online platforms facilitating such transactions, while clarifying that claiming stolen goods were obtained legally is not a defense.