REPORT OF CONFERENCE COMMITTEE

S. B. No. 2756: Shoplifting; unlawful use of theft detection shielding devices.

SECTION 1. (1) As used in this section:

(a) "Theft detection device" means any tag or other device that is used to prevent or detect theft and that is attached to merchandise held for resale by a merchant or to property of a merchant.

(b) "Theft detection device remover" means any tool or device specifically designed or manufactured to be used to remove a theft detection device from merchandise held for resale by a merchant or property of a merchant.

(c) "Theft detection shielding device" means any laminated or coated bag or device designed to shield merchandise held for resale by a merchant or property of a merchant from being detected by an electronic or magnetic theft alarm sensor.

(2) (a) A person commits unlawful distribution of a theft detection-shielding device when he or she knowingly manufactures, sells, offers to sell or distributes any theft detection-shielding device.

(b) A person commits unlawful possession of a theft detection-shielding device when he or she knowingly possesses any theft detection-shielding device with the intent to commit larceny or shoplifting.

(c) A person commits unlawful possession of a theft detection device remover when he or she knowingly possesses any theft detection device remover with the intent to use such tool to remove any theft detection device from any merchandise without the permission of the merchant or person owning or holding said merchandise.

(d) A person commits unlawful use of a theft detection shielding device or a theft detection device remover when he or she uses or attempts to use either device while committing a violation of Section 97-23-93, Mississippi Code of 1972.

(e) Any person convicted of violating this subsection (2) is guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof, shall be imprisoned for not less than thirty (30) days nor more than one (1) year, and fined not less than Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($250.00), nor more than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00).

(3) (a) A person commits unlawful removal of a theft detection device when he or she intentionally removes any theft detection device from merchandise prior to purchase without the permission of the merchant or person owning or holding said merchandise.

(b) Any person convicted of violating this subsection (3) is guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not less than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) nor more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), and such fine shall not be suspended, or the person shall be imprisoned not more than sixty (60) days, or both.

(4) (a) The activation of an anti-shoplifting or inventory control device as a result of a person exiting the establishment or a protected area within the establishment shall constitute reasonable cause for the detention of the person so exiting by the owner or operator of the establishment or by an agent or employee of the owner or operator, provided notice has been posted to advise patrons that such a device is being utilized. Each such detention shall be made only in a reasonable manner and only for a reasonable period of time sufficient for any inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the activation of the device or for the recovery of goods.

(b) The taking into custody and detention by a law enforcement officer, merchant or merchant's employee, if in compliance with the requirements of this section, does not render such law enforcement officer, merchant or merchant's employee criminally or civilly liable for false arrest, false imprisonment, unlawful detention, malicious prosecution, intentional infliction of emotional distress or defamation.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2001.

AN ACT TO PROHIBIT USE OF THEFT DETECTION SHIELDING DEVICES; TO ENACT DEFINITIONS AND PENALTIES; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.