Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2025
Sponsor
David Joyce
Republican · OH-14
Latest Action · Jan 30, 2026
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 402.
Bill Progress
Congress Targets Retail Crime With New Crackdown
Why it matters
Retail crime is surging, costing businesses and communities billions each year.
The big picture: Organized groups are stealing huge amounts of goods from stores and shipping centers, then reselling them—often on popular online marketplaces. Retailers warn that these high-profile crimes are not only driving up prices but also putting workers and shoppers at risk. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are now fast-tracking the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act to give federal agencies new tools to respond.
Zoom in: The bill sets up new federal definitions and penalties for organized retail crime. It aims to boost coordination between law enforcement, retailers, and online platforms. Proponents say it closes loopholes that organized rings use to flip stolen goods online—including better information sharing and tougher penalties for ringleaders.
Between the lines: Support is broad and bipartisan—over 200 cosponsors—reflecting widespread worries about the problem. But the bill’s details could affect small sellers, online platforms, and how law enforcement resources are used. Watch for debates over privacy, the role of major e-commerce sites, and how funding will be distributed.
What This Bill Does
Defines Organized Retail Crime
Officially labels large-scale, coordinated retail theft as a federal crime.
Creates New Federal Criminal Penalties
Adds harsher punishments for leading or participating in organized retail theft rings.
Expands Federal Law Enforcement Coordination
Requires agencies to work together and share intelligence on retail crime groups.
Promotes Data Sharing Between Retailers and Law Enforcement
Lets stores and police securely swap information on thefts and suspects.
Targets Online Resale of Stolen Goods
Pushes online marketplaces to flag and investigate suspicious sales.
Who Benefits
Retailers (e.g. chain stores, small businesses)
Face fewer large-scale thefts and lower losses from organized rings.
Law Enforcement Agencies
Get more resources and legal tools to track and prosecute criminals.
Shoppers
Could see safer stores and fewer price hikes caused by theft losses.
Online Marketplaces (with good compliance)
Can build trust with customers by rooting out illegal sellers.
Who's Affected
Criminal Organizations
Face tougher laws and stiffer penalties for retail theft operations.
Online Sellers
May see more verification checks and scrutiny, especially smaller sellers.
E-commerce Companies
Will have to update policies and invest in monitoring suspicious activity.
Local Police Departments
Could receive new mandates and increased workload to track these crimes.
Cosponsors (206)
Susie Lee
Democrat · NV
David Valadao
Republican · CA
Dina Titus
Democrat · NV
Michael Baumgartner
Republican · WA
Bradley Schneider
Democrat · IL
Laurel Lee
Republican · FL
J. Correa
Democrat · CA
Brad Knott
Republican · NC
Joe Neguse
Democrat · CO
Nick LaLota
Republican · NY
Joseph Morelle
Democrat · NY
Mark Amodei
Republican · NV
Recent Actions
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 402.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 119-471.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 119-471.
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Committees (1)
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Full Bill Text
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View the complete legislative text on Congress.gov
Source: Congress.gov