Advocacy Win: Wyoming Acts on Organized Retail Crime

Retail crime is no longer just a big-city problem. Wyoming’s small businesses are under siege from organized theft rings, repeat offenders, and escalating property crimes that threaten the heart of our local economy: our Main Streets. And we’ve had enough.

Your Wyoming Chambers of Commerce, in partnership with the Wyoming Retail Association, have launched Swipe Left on Theft, a statewide initiative to protect businesses, support law enforcement, and bring down the hammer on organized retail crime.

Legislative Action Underway

Back in May, your Wyoming Chamber testified before the Joint Judiciary Committee, demanding real change, and they listened. Working alongside us, the committee drafted two bills, which were brought forward to be voted on this past Tuesday.

Bill Draft 26LSO-0081 – Theft Amendments

• The monetary threshold will stay at $1,000 (instead of the proposed lower $500 limit)

• The fine will be raised to $1,500

• The number of offenses required for felony charges will be lowered from 5 to 3

The committee voted to move this forward as a committee bill in the upcoming session.

Bill Draft 26LSO-0082

• The committee voted to hold back the bill to conduct more research and align the monetary provisions with Bill Draft 26LSO-0081

• This bill will be discussed again at the October 13th meeting

These are targeted, practical solutions aimed at shutting down organized theft and restoring safety and security to Wyoming’s retail sector.

We thank the Joint Judiciary Committee for their dedication and hard work in safeguarding Wyoming businesses and applaud their commitment to protecting our state’s commerce.