An Act relative to the punishment of organized retail crimes

This bill (H 4996) amends Massachusetts law to increase penalties for organized retail crimes. It adds a specific sentencing option allowing courts to impose up to 2.5 years in a house of correction for certain retail theft offenses, updating two sections of the criminal code (Chapter 266, Section 30D and Chapter 218, Section 26). The change directly affects individuals convicted of organized retail theft, providing judges with a new sentencing tool. The bill focuses on modifying existing criminal penalties rather than creating new programs or policies.