Massachusetts § 30B - Unlawful distribution, possession, or deactivation or removal of theft detection shielding device; unlawful distribution or possession of theft detection device deactivator or remover; penalty
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 30B — Unlawful distribution, possession, or deactivation or removal of theft detection shielding device; unlawful distribution or possession of theft detection device deactivator or remover; penalty, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 30B. Unlawful distribution, possession, or deactivation or removal of theft detection shielding device; unlawful distribution or possession of theft detection device deactivator or remover; penalty
Section 30B. (a) A person shall be guilty of unlawful distribution of a theft detection shielding device if the person knowingly manufactures, sells, offers for sale or distributes a laminated or coated bag or other device intended to shield merchandise from detection by an electronic or magnetic theft detector.
(b) A person shall be guilty of unlawful possession of a theft detection shielding device if the person, with the intent to commit, aid or abet a theft, knowingly possesses a laminated or coated bag or device intended to shield merchandise from detection by an electronic or magnetic theft detector.
(c) A person shall be guilty of unlawful possession of a theft detection device deactivator or remover if the person knowingly possesses any tool or device designed or adapted to either: (i) allow the deactivation of a theft detection device, with the intent to use such tool or device to deactivate a theft detection device on merchandise without the permission of the merchant or person owning or lawfully holding said merchandise; or (ii) allow the removal of a theft detection device from merchandise, with the intent to use such tool or device to remove a theft detection device from merchandise without the permission of the merchant or person owning or lawfully holding said merchandise.
(d) A person shall be guilty of unlawful distribution of a theft detection device deactivator or remover if the person knowingly manufacturers, sells, offers for sale or distributes a tool or device designed or adapted to allow the deactivation of a theft detection device or to allow the removal of a theft detection device from merchandise, without the permission of the merchant or person owning or lawfully holding said merchandise.
(e) A person shall be guilty of unlawful deactivation or removal of a theft detection device if the person intentionally deactivates or removes a theft detection device from merchandise prior to purchase, in a retail establishment, with the intent to steal said merchandise.
(f) A violation of this section shall be punished by imprisonment in a house of correction for not more than 21/2 years or by imprisonment in the state prison for not more than 5 years or by a fine of not more than $25,000, or by both such fine and imprisonment.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 30B
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 30B cover?
Section 30B ("Unlawful distribution, possession, or deactivation or removal of theft detection shielding device; unlawful distribution or possession of theft detection device deactivator or remover; penalty") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Massachusetts § 30B?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 30B" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.
How does Massachusetts § 30B apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.