Combating Organized Retail Crime Act

This bill would create a national center at the Department of Homeland Security to fight organized retail theft and cargo theft. These crimes involve stealing goods and re-selling them in stores and online. The center would coordinate law enforcement across agencies, help state and local police with cases, work with retailers and transportation companies, and set up a secure way to share information. It would also track trends and release a public report each year. It will look at how theft rings can cause shortages of key items like medicines, protective gear, and baby formula.

The center must be set up within 90 days of becoming law. A first report is due within one year, then yearly updates after that. Homeland Security and the Justice Department must review current training and grant programs for local agencies within 180 days and then issue recommendations and guidance. In some cases, the center may share confidential information when needed to support investigations. The center ends seven years after it starts.

• Who is affected: Retail stores, shipping and transport companies, online and in‑person marketplaces, and law enforcement at the federal, state, local, and Tribal levels.
• What changes: A new national center; stronger information sharing with police and private companies; help with investigations; annual public trend reports; reviews and updates to training and grant support.
• When: Center set up within 90 days; training/grant review within 180 days; first report within 1 year and annual reports after; program ends after 7 years.