HB 1592 passed off the Senate floor today along a 39-6 vote, marking a significant step forward in Oklahoma’s effort to combat organized retail theft. The measure, authored by Rep. George and Sen. Weaver, establishes a comprehensive legal framework targeting coordinated theft operations that increasingly burden retailers and law enforcement agencies across the state.

The bill defines “organized retail crime” as retail theft involving at least two aggravating factors, such as the intent to resell stolen property, use of tools to evade detection, coordinated actions by two or more individuals, or use of stolen vehicles or fraudulent license plates. Penalties include up to five years in prison for thefts under $15,000, and up to eight years for larger operations. Restitution to victims is also required.

Additionally, HB 1592 re-establishes the Oklahoma Organized Retail Crime Task Force, which will report to the Legislature and Governor by December 2025 with data and policy recommendations. The Attorney General’s office is authorized to staff the task force and appoint specialized officers to investigate these crimes.

As originally filed, the bill proposed lowering the felony theft threshold under existing law from $1,000 to $500. That provision was removed during Senate consideration, preserving the current $1,000 benchmark.

HB 1592 now returns to the House for final consideration.

Watch the Senate Floor deliberation here.

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