This bill proposes significant updates to current statutes regarding the regulation of theft of movable property belonging to businesses. Under the new provisions, municipalities and counties would be prohibited from adopting or enforcing any ordinances, rules, or regulations that impose penalties on businesses for the theft of their movable property. This includes specific prohibitions against imposing fines for abandoned property, requiring businesses to pay for retrieval or disposal of their property, and mandating compliance with municipal retrieval programs under threat of penalty. The bill asserts that the regulation of theft of movable property is a matter of statewide concern, thus preempting local regulations.

Additionally, the bill allows the Attorney General or any business to take legal action against municipalities or counties that attempt to enforce such prohibited regulations, with the prevailing business entitled to recover reasonable attorney fees and costs. Definitions for "business," "movable property," and "theft" are provided to clarify the scope of the law. The legislation also includes a severability clause and a statement of legislative findings, emphasizing the financial burdens that local penalties impose on businesses and the need for state-level protection against undue regulations. If enacted, this bill would significantly alter the landscape of local business regulations concerning theft.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 9-500.54, 11-269.31
House Engrossed Version: 9-500.54, 11-269.31
Senate Engrossed Version: 9-500.54, 11-269.31