PFMA LAUDS PASSAGE OF LEGISLATION TARGETING ORGANIZED RETAIL CRIME

Following the passage of SB 596 in the General Assembly today, Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association President and CEO Alex Baloga released the following statement:

“PFMA was proud to lead a coalition in support of SB 596, legislation which provides needed updates to Pennsylvania's laws to address this increasingly pervasive and dangerous form of retail theft carried out by criminal organizations for profit.

“The fact is, organized retail crime represents almost a $100 billion issue for the retail industry, and PFMA’s retail members, chiefly groceries and convenience stores, are in the crosshairs. We are grateful for the leadership of Sen. Dave Argall (R-Schuylkill), sponsor of the legislation, and the other lawmakers, businesses, trade associations and stakeholders who shared our support for this measure. I urge Governor Shapiro to sign this important piece of legislation into law.”
​
In addition to updating Pennsylvania’s organized retail theft statute, SB 596 establishes a new task force under the authority of the state Attorney General to target and prosecute the individuals coordinating and leading this criminal activity. The bill now goes to the desk of Governor Josh Shapiro for his signature.