RLP NEWS
TRENTON, NJ — A bipartisan bill aimed at curbing organized retail crime statewide has advanced in the New Jersey State Assembly. Assembly Bill 4755 proposes tougher penalties for repeat offenders and enhanced protections for retail employees.
Sponsored by Assembly members Joe Danielsen (D-17), Alex Sauickie (R-12), and Heather Simmons (D-3), the measure seeks to combat a rising wave of organized theft operations that have cost retailers billions nationwide.
Key Provisions of Assembly Bill 4755
The legislation includes several sweeping measures to address organized retail crime:
- Enhanced Penalties for Assault: Establishes assault against retail workers as an aggravated assault, a third- or fourth-degree crime depending on the severity of injuries.
- Stronger Penalties for Ringleaders: Elevates the charge for leading an organized retail theft enterprise to a first-degree crime.
- Tax Evasion Penalties: Increases penalties for leaders of theft rings who evade taxes, making it a second-degree crime.
- Repeat Offender Sentencing: Allows for extended prison terms for individuals convicted of retail theft multiple times.
Additionally, the bill allocates $1 million to the New Jersey Attorney General to establish a Retail Theft Unit within the Department of Law and Public Safety. This unit would investigate and prosecute retail theft cases and assist county prosecutors in tackling large-scale theft operations.
Bipartisan Support and Legislative Progress
Since its introduction on Sept. 19, A-4755 has gained momentum. The Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness Committee unanimously approved the bill on Nov. 14, advancing it to the Assembly Judiciary Committee. Companion legislation, introduced by State Senators John Burzichelli (D-3) and Holly Schepisi (R-39), is under review by the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Responding to a Nationwide Crisis
Organized retail crime has become a growing concern across the U.S., with at least 14 states enacting stricter laws to address the issue. According to the National Retail Federation, retail theft caused $112 billion in losses in 2022, up from $99.3 billion in 2021.
Homeland Security estimates that organized retail crime costs federal and state governments nearly $15 billion annually in lost tax revenue, excluding sales taxes.
Assemblyman Joe Danielsen, chair of the Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness Committee, emphasized the need for action. “Organized retail thieves need to know that they are not above the law and that their crimes hurt not only businesses but the communities around them,” he said.
Assemblywoman Heather Simmons highlighted the strain on businesses. “These measures send a strong message: New Jersey is committed to protecting businesses, consumers, and retail employees,” she stated.
Assemblyman Alex Sauickie underscored the broader impact of organized retail theft, noting links to human trafficking, drug trafficking, and other criminal activities. “I refuse to let New Jersey become a sitting duck for organized retail theft,” he declared.
Industry Support
The New Jersey Food Council (NJFC), representing over 1,500 members in the food retail, wholesale, and manufacturing sectors, has expressed strong support for the bill. NJFC Vice President Mary Ellen Peppard emphasized that the legislation is focused on dismantling organized crime operations, not targeting individuals with financial hardships.
“This legislation is designed to protect businesses while ensuring law enforcement has the tools to dismantle organized crime rings,” Peppard said.
Next Steps
With growing bipartisan support, A-4755 is poised for further consideration. Lawmakers and industry leaders are optimistic about its potential to address the rising tide of organized retail crime and protect New Jersey’s businesses, employees, and consumers.