Brief(1)
H.B. 2625 would amend the shoplifting law to provide that parents of a minor who shoplifts will be civilly liable for twice the amount of the retail cost of the merchandise in nonmerchantable condition or $50, whichever is greater, but no more than $500. For merchandise in merchantable condition, the civil penalty is $50 or 50 percent of the retail cost of the merchandise, whichever is greater, but no more than $350.
If a minor is paying restitution as a juvenile offender, the parents will not be civilly liable.
A claim or judgement for liability will not constitute liability against an insurer or third-party payor.
Background
Support for the bill was expressed by representatives of the Kansas Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the JC Penney Company, and a legislator.
Concerns over portions of the bill were brought before the Committee on behalf of the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services and an insurer.
The fiscal note indicates no information is available to make an accurate estimate.
1. *Supplemental notes are prepared by the Legislative Research Department and do not express legislative intent. The supplemental note and fiscal note for this bill may be accessed on the Internet at http://www.ink.org/public/legislative/fulltext-bill.html.