Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Minnesota Senate Bill SF3338

Introduced
4/9/25  

Caption

Gift card fraud inclusion in organized retail theft

Impact

If enacted, SF3338 will amend Minnesota Statutes Section 609.522, which currently outlines organized retail theft conditions by incorporating provisions for gift card fraud. This modification aims to criminalize actions that involve the unauthorized removal or fraudulent transactions involving retail merchandise, including various forms of gift cards. By establishing define parameters around gift card theft and related activities, the bill is expected to aid law enforcement and prosecuting agencies in addressing thefts that are part of larger organized crime efforts, thus potentially lowering rates of retail theft and enhancing public safety.

Summary

SF3338 is a legislative proposal aimed at addressing the growing concerns over organized retail theft in the state of Minnesota. The bill seeks to expand the scope of organized retail theft offenses to include specific fraudulent activities associated with gift cards, thereby enhancing the legal framework available to combat these crimes. The inclusion of gift card fraud is considered necessary due to the increasing utilization of gift cards in retail transactions, which has attracted fraudulent activities and organized crime. This proposal is expected to modernize the existing statutes to better reflect current retail realities and challenges faced by businesses in protecting their assets.

Contention

Discussions surrounding SF3338 could bring forward debates on civil liberties and the potential for overreach in law enforcement. Critics might argue that expanding definitions of organized retail theft to include gift card fraud could lead to increased penalization of individuals for minor offenses or those who may inadvertently violate the law due to lack of knowledge about these new provisions. Furthermore, stakeholders in the retail industry may have diverse opinions on the bill's effectiveness and need, especially as they adjust to changing retail environments amidst rising theft rates. Careful consideration will be needed to balance the need for effective deterrents against theft while ensuring the rights of consumers and retailers are protected.

Companion Bills

MN HF3155

Similar To Gift card fraud included in organized retail theft.

Previously Filed As

MN SF893

Crime of organized retail theft establishment

MN HF450

Crime of organized retail theft established, release of financial account information to law enforcement provided, burglary crimes following trespass notice amended, and time period for search warrant on financial institutions established.

MN HF3614

Public safety; policy and technical changes made to provisions including crime victim policy, criminal justice reform, public safety policy, predatory offenders, and corrections policy; crimes established; penalties provided; data classified; and reports required.

MN SF4959

Public safety provisions modifications

MN SF3236

Establishing the crime of carjacking and making confirming changes

MN SF514

Crime of carjacking establishment

MN HF478

Crime of carjacking established, and conforming changes made.

MN HF111

Crime of surreptitious intrusion that does not take place through a window or aperture established, crime of surreptitious intrusion under or around a person's clothing established, statute of limitations amended for surreptitious intrusion, and technical and conforming changes made.

MN SF294

Crime of surreptitious intrusion that does not take place through a window or aperture establishment; crime of surreptitious intrusion under a persons clothing establishment; statute of limitations for the crime of surreptitious intrusion modification

MN HF4641

Reckless driving resulting in great bodily harm or death excluded from list of offenses eligible for automatic expungement, waiting period for petition for expungement reduced from five years to four in cases involving a stay of imposition, and offering forged check offenses clarified to be eligible for expungement.

Similar Bills

CA AB1760

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MS SB2215

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CA AB2745

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MS SB2409

Shoplifting merchandise; provide that certain second offenses within 5 years are felonies.

MS SB2266

Shoplifting; revise jurisdictional amounts and penalties for.

MS HB795

Shoplifting; require to calculate the total price of all shoplifting items for fine.

MS HB1016

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MS HB20

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