The proposed legislation aims to enhance the safety of retail commerce and workplaces in Washington by addressing the growing issue of organized retail theft. The bill establishes an organized retail theft task force, appointed by the attorney general, to improve collaboration among law enforcement agencies and collect data on incidents of theft. It also introduces measures to protect retail workers from employment discrimination related to theft incidents and provides tax incentives for retailers to invest in physical security improvements. Specifically, retailers that spend $3,000 or more on security enhancements will benefit from a reduced cannabis excise tax rate for a year, encouraging them to implement necessary security measures.

Additionally, the bill outlines protections for employees who engage in theft prevention activities, ensuring they cannot be suspended or terminated for reporting theft or cooperating with law enforcement. It mandates training for employees on these protections and establishes a civil cause of action for employees who face retaliation. The legislation includes provisions for tax credits related to security improvements, with a performance review to assess the effectiveness of these incentives. The act is set to take effect immediately for certain sections, while others will commence on January 1, 2024, and includes an expiration date for specific provisions.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 69.50.535
Substitute Bill: 69.50.535