Governor Snyder signs two retail fraud bills, 21 others

LANSING (AP) -- Gov. Rick Snyder says he's signed legislation tightening the laws against organized retail crime. Snyder's office said last Thursday that the two bills were among 23 that he signed. The Legislature recently completed its postelection "lame duck" session, and a newly elected state House takes office in January. State senators have two years left on their terms. Two bills sponsored by Republican state Rep. Joe Graves of Argentine Township would make it a felony punishable by up to five years in prison to knowingly committing organized retail crime. The law covers theft of retail merchandise with the intent or purpose of reselling, distributing, or transferring it to another retailer or seller. The act covers use of the mail or any electronic medium such as the Internet. Published: Tue, Jan 1, 2013