Bill > SB5347

This bill modifies Washington state law regarding organized retail theft by expanding and clarifying key definitions and provisions. The bill changes the time frame for aggregating theft incidents from 180 days to 365 days, allowing law enforcement to combine multiple theft events within a year when determining the total value of stolen property. It reduces the number of accomplices required for certain theft charges from six to two and updates the electronic communication definition. The bill maintains two degrees of organized retail theft: first degree (involving property valued at $5,000 or more, classified as a class B felony) and second degree (involving property valued between $750 and $5,000, classified as a class C felony). Additionally, the bill allows mercantile establishments to request that theft charges be aggregated and requires prosecutors to provide an explanation if they decline to do so. The changes aim to provide law enforcement and prosecutors with more flexibility in addressing organized retail theft and holding individuals accountable for coordinated theft activities.

Justice

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5347&Year=2025&Initiative=false