Establishes crime of gang shoplifting.
This bill creates a new crime called "gang shoplifting" for coordinated thefts by groups. It defines the offense as when two or more people enter a store together and openly take items (without paying full price) or tamper with property to cause harm or damage. The law makes gang shoplifting a third-degree crime, punishable by 3-5 years in prison and up to $15,000 in fines, with a mandatory minimum 1-year prison term during which offenders cannot seek parole. It directly affects individuals participating in organized retail thefts, such as flash mobs, by imposing stricter penalties than standard shoplifting. The bill specifically targets open, group-based thefts that disrupt businesses and endanger public safety.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 19, 2026
Last action Feb 19, 2026
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
1
Key actions
0
Committee
0
Feb 19, 2026
Introduced
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Judiciary Committee
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Alex Sauickie
RRepublican
Ask Maddy
·
AI policy assistant
Ask Maddy about A 4371
Scope: NJ
Hi! I can help you understand A 4371. What would you like to know?
Try one of these
i
Maddy answers using official bill text and legislative records. Always verify before sharing.
Sources cited inline