Bill Targeting Organized Retail Crime Clears House Committee

HB 234 will stiffen penalties for organized retail crime so businesses can succeed and New Mexicans can shop safely

Santa Fe, NM - House Bill 234, which would tackle organized retail crime, passed the House Commerce and Economic Development Committee today with a unanimous vote. 

This bill makes organized retail crime a second-degree felony and expands the definition of “robbery” to include the use or threat of force or violence to retain stolen property or escape from the scene of a theft. It also updates the definition of “racketeering” to include organized retail crime which provides the opportunity for more focused prosecution.

“Organized retail crime not only harms our businesses’ bottom lines, it puts employees and shoppers at retail stores in danger. We must hold thieves accountable and treat this crime seriously, ” said sponsor Representative Marian Matthews (D-Albuquerque). “This Organized Retail Crime bill will help us keep New Mexicans safe and ensure our business can succeed and our communities can thrive.”

HB 234 has the support of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, the New Mexico State Police, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, the Office of the Attorney General, the Association of District Attorneys, the city of Albuquerque, and the Albuquerque Police Department.

The bill now moves to the House Judiciary Committee. 

The Roundhouse is open to the public for the 2023 session. Members of the public can also view floor sessions and committee meetings on the New Mexico Legislature’s Webcasts tab, and provide comment via phone or Zoom as directed on the daily schedule.   

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