Representative Dan Griffey sat down with Washington Retail to explain House Bill 1159 that would curb the rise of organized retail crime.
Put simply, it would allow store security or law enforcement to ask shoppers known to be hiding merchandise if they intend to pay for it before they leave the store. Under current state law, security cannot intercede until someone has left a store without paying. Thirty-six other states include concealment as part of their theft laws.
Director of Communications Jim Szymanski interviewed Rep. Griffey about his sponsorship and how such a law would work. Washington Retail testified in support of the bill in the House Committee on Public Safety before it was moved to the House Rules Committee for further consideration.
During the interview, Rep. Griffey explained that the bill could discourage theft, improve safety for shoppers and help to recover lost sales tax revenues due to the state.
