MADISON, WI…Legislation authored by Senator André Jacque (New Franken) to combat retail theft in Wisconsin was signed into law by Governor Tony Evers’ today as Act 106.
“Criminals engaged in retail theft are repeatedly victimizing business owners and terrorizing our neighborhoods,” said Jacque. “This lawlessness makes our communities less safe and drives up prices for everyone, and the lack of deterrence has led to thieves engaging in ever more brazen acts of criminality.”
Act 106 responds to the rise in retail theft and losses by small businesses by allowing prosecutors to aggregate the value of items stolen and increase penalties for repeat offenses to allow for stronger criminal charges. Under current law, retail theft is prosecuted based on the dollar amount stolen. When the value of stolen items is under $500, the penalty is only a misdemeanor. This bill allows prosecutors to combine the value of stolen items within a six-month period to allow for a more appropriate penalty.
“Modern thieves have chosen to strategically move from store to store in an attempt to evade and limit punishment,” said Jacque. “By combining multiple crimes into a larger charge, we can close this loophole in Wisconsin law and hold thieves accountable.”
The initiative passed both legislative chambers with broad bipartisan support. The new law was enacted with the backing of an extensive coalition of 20 retailers, business organizations and law enforcement groups, including the Wisconsin Grocers Association, Badger State Sheriffs Association, the Alliance of Wisconsin Retailers, Wisconsin District Attorneys Association, Milwaukee Police Association, National Federation of Independent Business and Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce.
Senator André Jacque represents Northeast Wisconsin’s First Senate District, consisting of Door and Kewaunee and Counties and portions of Brown, Calumet, Manitowoc, and Outagamie counties.
