H.R.2853 - Combating Organized Retail Crime Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2853, the "Combating Organized Retail Crime Act," aims to combat organized crime related to the illegal acquisition of retail goods and cargo for resale through physical and online marketplaces. The bill seeks to amend Title 18 of the United States Code to provide law enforcement with enhanced tools to combat organized retail crime and directs the executive branch to establish a central coordination center. This center would align federal, state, local, territorial, and tribal efforts to address organized retail and supply chain crime.
Expected Effects
The Act is likely to lead to increased federal involvement in combating organized retail crime through enhanced law enforcement tools and a coordinated national strategy. This could result in more prosecutions and disruptions of organized theft groups. The establishment of a coordination center aims to improve information sharing and collaboration among various law enforcement agencies and private sector entities.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced law enforcement capabilities to combat organized retail crime.
- Improved coordination among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
- Increased information sharing between law enforcement and the retail and transportation industries.
- Potential reduction in financial losses for retailers and product manufacturers.
- Enhanced public safety through the disruption of criminal organizations involved in theft and related crimes.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased federal overreach into areas traditionally handled by state and local law enforcement.
- Risk of mission creep, where the coordination center expands its scope beyond its original intent.
- Possible privacy concerns related to increased information sharing among government agencies and private companies.
- The sunset provision after 7 years could lead to uncertainty and disruption if the center proves effective.
- Potential for increased costs associated with establishing and operating the coordination center.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's focus on interstate commerce and the creation of federal law enforcement mechanisms aligns with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) of the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress the power to regulate commerce among the states. The amendments to Title 18 fall under Congress's power to define and punish offenses against the laws of the United States (Article I, Section 8, Clause 10). The establishment of a coordination center within the executive branch is consistent with the President's duty to execute the laws (Article II, Section 3).
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).