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Congress·Reported·about 2 months ago

House Committee Advances Combating Organized Retail Crime Act, Setting $5,000 Federal Theft Threshold

Also known as: Combating Organized Retail Crime Act

Legislative Progress

✓ Filed
Review
House
Senate
President

Impacts

Negative Impacts(3)
Criminal Record
Hurts

People with theft convictions face expanded federal prosecution for aggregate thefts of $5,000 over 12 months, increasing potential prison time.

Undocumented
Hurts

Bill specifically mentions organized groups use migrants to commit crimes, potentially increasing immigration enforcement scrutiny on this population.

Immigrant
Hurts

Legislation links human smuggling to theft rings, which may lead to increased targeting of immigrant communities during investigations.

Positive Impacts(2)
Small Business Owner
Helps

Small retail businesses gain federal support to combat theft rings that have driven up losses by 90% since 2019, reducing costs from stolen inventory.

Federal Employee
Helps

Federal law enforcement gains new coordination tools and clearer authority to investigate interstate retail crime networks.

State Impacts

CaliforniaCA
Positive

Bill specifically mentions California voters' 2024 reform on theft aggregation, aligning federal support with state efforts to combat retail crime.

NevadaNV
Positive

Bill sponsors from Nevada indicate state concerns about retail theft; federal center will coordinate with Nevada law enforcement on investigations.

OhioOH
Positive

Lead sponsor from Ohio signals state priorities; federal coordination will help Ohio police track theft rings operating across multiple states.

FloridaFL
Positive

Multiple Florida sponsors indicate state concerns; new center will help coordinate cargo theft investigations at Florida ports and distribution hubs.

Key Points

  • This bill creates a new national center to help federal, state, and local police work together to stop organized groups that steal from stores and delivery trucks. The center will share information about theft trends and help track down criminals who sell stolen goods online or in person.
  • The policy targets large-scale theft rings rather than individual shoplifters. Under the new rules, federal prosecutors can charge people if they steal a total of $5,000 worth of goods over a single year, even if the items were taken in several smaller trips across different locations.
  • Lawmakers are taking action because retail theft incidents nearly doubled between 2019 and 2023, often leading to higher prices for shoppers and more violence in stores. These criminal groups often use the money they make to fund other illegal activities like drug and weapon smuggling.
  • The bill updates money laundering laws to include digital payments like gift cards and prepaid cards, which are often used by these groups to hide their profits. It also requires the government to provide better training and grants to local police departments to help them handle these complex cases.
  • If passed, the new coordination center must be set up within 90 days. The program is designed to last for seven years before Congress decides whether to keep it running based on its success in reducing crime and improving safety for store employees and customers.
Criminal JusticeSmall BusinessConsumer ProtectionEconomyLabor Employment

Milestones

3 milestones6 actions
Jan 30, 2026House

Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 402.

Jan 30, 2026House

Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 119-471.

Jan 13, 2026House

Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.

Jan 13, 2026House

Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held

Apr 10, 2025House

Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

90 days after bill becomes law

New federal coordination center must be established

Federal agents begin coordinating with local police to track organized retail theft groups across state lines

180 days after bill becomes law

Training evaluation report due to Congress

Government assesses existing programs to help local police combat retail theft and recommends improvements

7 years after center establishment

Program sunset and potential termination

The coordination center closes unless Congress votes to extend it, based on its success in reducing organized theft

Related News

3 articles
TheStreet·3 months ago

Walgreens, Target, Kroger want Congress to make key retail theft change

Major retailers are urging the passage of the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2025 (CORCA). The bill permits the aggregation of thefts over 12 months once they exceed a $5,000 threshold, making it easier to prosecute organized groups operating across state lines.

C=
Progressive Railroading·about 2 months ago

ATA-Backed Cargo Theft Bill Advances with House Committee Approval

The House Judiciary Committee voted to pass the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act (CORCA), a bipartisan bill seeking a unified federal response to cargo theft. The bill establishes an Organized Retail and Supply Chain Crime Coordination Center within Homeland Security.

C+
Chain Store Age·11 months ago

Retailers Champion Bill Aimed at Dismantling Organized Crime

Leading retailers applauded the introduction of the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2025. The legislation establishes a Center to Combat Organized Retail and Supply Chain Crime at Homeland Security Investigations to coordinate federal, state, and local law enforcement.

C+

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2025

Bill NumberHR 2853
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionPlaced on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 402.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(206)
D: 84R: 122

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.