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SB 3167

AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- THEFT, EMBEZZLEMENT, FALSE PRETENSES, AND MISAPPROPRIATION

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Pete Appollonio and 8 co-sponsors

Rhode Island raises shoplifting penalties with a tiered system by item value, plus clear definitions and prima facie evidence to deter theft.

06/04/2026 Referred to House Judiciary
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 3167

Summary of SB 3167 (Rhode Island, 2026)

Purpose and intent

  • The bill amends Rhode Island’s theft framework, specifically targeting shoplifting. It refines definitions related to shoplifting and increases penalties based on the value of the stolen merchandise.
  • Aims to tighten consequences for shoplifting, with enhanced penalties for higher-valued items and for repeat offenses.

Key provisions and changes

  • Definitions clarified (Section 1, 11-41-20):

    • Explicit definitions for terms used in shoplifting cases, including:
    • “Conceal,” “Full retail value,” “Merchandise,” “Merchant,” “Premises of a retail mercantile establishment,” and “Shopping cart.”
    • These definitions cover what constitutes shoplifting behavior and the scope of retail spaces and associated areas (including parking lots and common areas).

  • Disallowed conduct that constitutes shoplifting (Section 1, 11-41-20):

    • A person commits shoplifting if they: 1) Take possession or transfer merchandise with the intent to deprive the merchant of full retail value. 2) Alter/transfer/remove a price label or markings to obtain merchandise at less than full value with intent to deprive the merchant. 3) Transfer merchandise between containers to obtain it at less than full value with intent to deprive. 4) Remove a shopping cart from the premises without the merchant’s consent, with intent to deprive the merchant of possession or use of the cart.

  • Prima facie evidence (Section 1, 11-41-20):

    • If a person conceals merchandise beyond the payment area, it is prima facie evidence of intent to deprive the merchant of full value.

  • Penalties (Section 1, 11-41-20):

    • For shoplifting merchandise valued less than $1,500:
    • Misdemeanor with:
      • Fine: at least $50 or twice the full retail value (whichever is greater), but not more than $500
      • Or imprisonment: up to 1 year, or both
    • If the merchandise is valued over $100 and the offender has a prior shoplifting conviction, it becomes a felony with:
      • Fine up to $5,000
      • Imprisonment up to 5 years, or both
    • For merchandise valued between $1,500 and $5,000:
    • Imprisonment up to 3 years or fines up to $1,500, or both
    • For merchandise valued between $5,000 and $10,000:
    • Imprisonment up to 6 years or fines up to $3,000, or both
    • For merchandise valued over $10,000:
    • Imprisonment up to 10 years or fines up to $5,000, or both

  • Effective date (Section 2):

    • The act takes effect upon passage.

Who or what would be affected

  • Individuals convicted of shoplifting in Rhode Island would face revised and potentially higher penalties, especially for higher-value items and repeat offenses.
  • Retailers and merchants: The changes provide clearer definitions and heightened penalties as enforceability tools and deterrents.
  • Law enforcement and judiciary: New thresholds and definitions may affect charging decisions, prosecutions, and sentencing.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • Introduced March 27, 2026.
  • Referred to Senate Judiciary; scheduled for hearing/consideration on May 12, 2026.
  • Effective date: on passage (no delayed or phased-in timeline).

Observations

  • The bill codifies a tiered penalty structure aligned with merchandise value, creating stronger disincentives for higher-value theft and for repeat offenders.
  • It emphasizes concrete prima facie evidence (concealment beyond the payment area) to support prosecution.
  • Public-facing effect: individuals and retailers will have clearer expectations regarding what constitutes shoplifting and the potential penalties.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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