ORMA TOP PRIORITY ORC BILL PASSES HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMMITTEE

A key measure aimed at strengthening Oklahoma’s response to organized retail crime (ORC) has taken a significant step forward, receiving a Do Pass recommendation from the House Judiciary - Criminal Committee with a 6-1 vote. This legislation enhances enforcement efforts by clearly defining ORC, extending the state’s Organized Retail Crime Task Force for 18 additional months, and lowering the felony larceny threshold to $500 to deter large-scale retail theft operations.

The bill establishes clear legal criteria for organized retail crime, outlining specific criminal behaviors such as coordinated theft, the use of specialized tools to evade detection, and resale of stolen goods. By codifying ORC in state law, law enforcement and prosecutors will have stronger tools to hold offenders accountable.

Additionally, the legislation reinstates and extends the ORC Task Force until June 1, 2026, ensuring continued collaboration between law enforcement, retailers, and policymakers to combat retail theft networks.

Another critical provision in the bill is the reduction of the felony threshold for larceny from $1,000 to $500. This change addresses gaps in existing law that have allowed repeat offenders and organized theft rings to exploit higher felony limits. By lowering the threshold, the bill ensures swifter penalties for those engaging in retail crime and strengthens deterrence.

With growing concerns over retail theft’s impact on businesses and communities, this legislation provides necessary reforms to combat ORC and protect Oklahoma retailers. The bill now moves forward in the legislative process, bringing the state one step closer to enacting stronger protections against organized retail theft.

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