Bill > A04731

This bill establishes a new Office of Organized Retail Theft within the New York State Department of Law to combat sophisticated retail theft operations. The office will have broad powers to receive and investigate complaints about organized retail theft from any source, including proactively initiating its own investigations. Its responsibilities include investigating how retail theft organizations procure and steal property, train theft personnel, resell stolen goods, transfer and store stolen items, conceal funds, and reinvest proceeds from illegal activities. The office will be led by a deputy attorney general designated by the Attorney General and will have the authority to subpoena witnesses, examine evidence, conduct interviews, and review documentation related to retail theft. The office can also collaborate with other state and local law enforcement agencies, provide technical assistance to district attorneys, and refer cases to appropriate federal, state, or local law enforcement agencies. Additionally, the office is required to issue an annual public report summarizing its activities and recommending legal changes to improve investigations and prosecutions. The bill emphasizes a comprehensive approach to addressing organized retail theft, recognizing it as a complex criminal enterprise that requires specialized investigation and prosecution.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A4731