Organized retail theft statute expanded to include theft of gift cards

The organized retail theft statute enacted in 2023 will expand to include theft involving gift cards.

Per the 2023 law, that crime applies when a person is part of a group of two or more individuals who steal merchandise from a retailer, has committed previous theft-related offenses and resells or tries to return the stolen merchandise for credit.

Effective Aug. 1, 2026, the law will include theft involving gift cards under the organized retail theft statute. Theft of gift cards includes stealing codes and PINs before a retailer sells the card so that the thieves can take the money when a retailer sells and activates a card. Penalties are based on the amount that could be taken from a gift card, not necessarily the amount a thief actually steals. The law also includes situations where someone tampers with stolen merchandise for the purpose of obtaining something of value from the retailer or a retail customer.

Rep. Brad Tabke (DFL-Shakopee) and Sen. Zach Duckworth (R-Lakeville) are the sponsors.

HF3155*/SF3338/CH74

HF3155* / SF3338 / CH74