Palmetto State News

NFIB State Director Ben Homeyer expressed gratitude to the General Assembly for passing H. 3523, a bill aimed at addressing organized retail crime and safeguarding small businesses from financial damage.

“Small business is not immune from the threat of organized retail theft,” Homeyer stated. “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.”

The newly passed H. 3523 enhances current laws by criminalizing conspiracies to steal retail property valued over $2,000 within a 90-day period with the intent to resell or profit from the stolen items.

The bill imposes stricter penalties on individuals involved in retail theft, including harsher fines and imprisonment for repeat offenders and those causing property damage or injury during such crimes. It also includes asset forfeiture provisions to prevent criminals from benefiting financially from stolen goods, underscoring the state's dedication to protecting local businesses.

“This legislation helps small businesses by targeting large-scale retail theft rings,” Homeyer added. “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.”