The Tennessee Senate took action to protect businesses and consumers by passing Senate Bill 240 , which is designed to combat the growing threat of organized retail crime. With Tennessee retailers losing an estimated $500 million annually to theft and the state losing $117 million in tax revenue each year, this legislation strengthens penalties and closes loopholes exploited by criminals.
Organized retail crime is not just a petty theft problem—it is a sophisticated, large-scale operation that hurts businesses, raises prices for consumers, and funds criminal activities. This legislation strengthens law enforcement’s ability to dismantle criminal networks and protect both retailers and consumers. It ensures that criminals who exploit retailers, defraud businesses, and threaten public safety face appropriate consequences.
The bill builds upon the Organized Retail Crime (ORC) Prevention Act of 2017 by expanding the definition of ORC and strengthening enforcement measures.
Key provisions of the legislation include:
Extended Aggregation Window: The bill extends the time period in which stolen goods can be counted toward felony charges, from 90 days to 180 days, making it harder for criminals to avoid prosecution by spreading out their thefts.
Expanded Definition of ORC: The legislation adds new offenses, including the use of anti-theft device removers, fraudulent returns of counterfeit merchandise, sale of stolen goods through online marketplaces, and possession of devices used to steal electronic payment information.
Enhanced Penalties: Offenders who engage in property destruction, use weapons, or commit ORC while out on bond or pretrial release will face increased penalties.
Extending the James Dustin Samples Act to support more first responders
In an effort to improve mental health support for first responders, the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee unanimously passed Senate Bill 289 , expanding workers’ compensation benefits for law enforcement officers and emergency medical responders suffering with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Our first responders risk their lives every day to protect our communities, often facing highly traumatic and challenging situations that can take a serious toll on mental health.
This legislation builds on the James Dustin Samples Act, which was first enacted in 2023 to provide workers’ compensation benefits to firefighters diagnosed with PTSD due to their service. The original act sought to combat the stigma surrounding PTSD and ensure that firefighters received the care they needed. This legislation seeks to extend the benefits of the James Dustin Samples Act to law enforcement officers and emergency medical responders.
The legislation now moves to the Senate Finance Committee for further consideration.
Thank you for taking the time to read this update. Please contact my office with any questions by phone at: (800) 449-8366, extension: 13851 or by e-mail at: [email protected]. Thank you for the honor to serve you in state government and God bless!
Steve Southerland serves the constituents of State Senate District 09 which includes the following counties: Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Sevier, and Unicoi. He is a member of the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee, the Joint Fiscal Review Committee, and the Government Operations Committee.
