MONTPELIER Vt. (WCAX) – After getting approval from Governor Phil Scott last week, a bill that stiffens penalties for repeated retail theft will become law next month.
“That’s what’s really critical — is to have the accountability,” said Rep. Martin LaLonde, D-South Burlington, the original author of the retail theft bill, which is aimed at creating harsher penalties targeted at repeat offenders.
Through the process, the bill changed shape, ultimately ending in a compromise. The original version would have made it easier to charge offenders with a felony, which carries significant jail time. In the final version, the penalties increase for misdemeanor offenses. Those charged with retail theft a second time face a $1,000 fine or up to two years in jail if it’s committed within two years of the first offense.
“Still looking at a certain level of retail theft, not just some groceries, but something more serious — at least $250 worth of merchandise to at least get you into that position where you could be facing a felony if that behavior repeats and repeats and repeats,” LaLonde said.
Chittenden County State’s Attorney Sarah George has faced criticism for her handling of low-level crimes like retail theft, but she says her office has 565 retail theft cases pending right now. She questions the effectiveness of stiffer penalties. “Whether someone is going to be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony is not a deterrent, it never has been. It’s been proven time and time and time again not to be a deterrent so I’m not sure it’s going to have the deterrent effect it was meant to,” she said.
George says many of the cases they see have underlying issues such as homelessness and addiction. She says investments outside the criminal justice system would have the most impact on crimes like retail theft. “If we really addressed the housing crisis and some of the substance services that are lacking, that in itself will make a huge difference in our caseload and our backlog,” she said.
The new laws will now go into effect on July 1st