The felony charge could be limited to: (1) premeditated and intentional assault against retail employees; and/or (2) aggravated assault (i.e., assault beyond pushing, non-harmful touching, etc.) committed in furtherance of theft.

That would probably give a good middle ground to avoid disproportional sentences while also still addressing the issue the bill seeks to address.

Bro that would bore the jurors to tears. That is a very poor litigation strategy.