Relates to communications by mercantile establishments attempting to settle civil actions deriving from larceny prosecutions

This bill (A 92) requires stores and mercantile businesses to include specific, clear disclosures in any written or spoken communication attempting to settle a civil claim related to alleged shoplifting (larceny). The disclosure must state that the settlement concerns a larceny case, explain the civil liability amount (up to $1,500 for unrecovered merchandise plus penalties), clarify that civil penalties are separate from criminal charges, and note that criminal prosecution may still proceed regardless of settlement. Businesses failing to include this required statement face strict liability for actual damages, triple the settlement amount sought, and legal fees. The law directly affects both consumers receiving such settlement communications and merchants seeking to resolve larceny-related civil claims.