NFIB State Director Ben Homeyer today thanked the General Assembly for passing H. 3523, critical legislation cracking down organized retail crime and protecting small businesses from financial harm.

“Small business is not immune from the threat of organized retail theft,” Homeyer said. “This legislation gives law enforcement and prosecutors the tools they need to go after theft rings that exploit retailers and drive up costs for everyone.”

H. 3523 strengthens existing laws by making it illegal to conspire to steal retail property valued at more than $2,000 over 90 days with the intent to resell or profit from stolen goods.

It increases penalties for those who engage in retail theft, imposing tougher fines and imprisonment for repeat offenders and those who cause property damage or injury during these crimes. The measure also introduces asset forfeiture provisions to ensure criminals do not profit from stolen goods, reinforcing the state’s commitment to protecting local businesses.

“This legislation helps small businesses by targeting large-scale retail theft rings,” Homeyer said. “We urge Governor McMaster to sign H. 3523 into law as soon as possible to give law enforcement the tools they need to fight these crimes.”