BURSTA new bipartisan bill aims to crack down on looting during natural disasters by making theft a felony in areas under federal disaster declaration.
The Law On Offender Transgressions during Emergencies and Recovery (LOOTER) Act — drafted by Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.) — would make petty larceny during a natural disaster punishable by up to one year in prison, while grand larceny would be punishable by up to five years.
The bill, details of which were shared first with The Hill, seeks to “safeguard residents from criminal exploitation,” which has become increasingly common in the aftermaths of disasters across the country, according to Panetta's office.
“As a former prosecutor, I’ve seen firsthand how looting during emergencies only deepens the suffering of disaster victims,” Panetta said in a statement, noting his district has experienced devastation related to wildfires and floods.
“The LOOTER Act would ensure that those who prey on communities during times of crisis face serious consequences under federal law.”
“Our bipartisan legislation is critical to better protecting disaster-stricken communities, supporting our local law enforcement partners, and sending a clear message that if you loot during a disaster, you will be held accountable,” he added.
Panetta is leading the effort with Reps. Aaron Bean (R-Fla.), Tom Suozzi (D-N.Y.) and Troy Nehls (R-Texas).
Nehls, a former county sheriff, said in a statement that his district is “prone to natural disasters” and has seen its fair share of devastation.
“When Hurricane Harvey hit, I served as Sheriff of Fort Bend County, Texas, and know all too well how natural disasters leave people and their property vulnerable, especially to crime,” Nehls said.
“This bill ensures accountability for those who take advantage of disaster and ensures justice for those who might fall victim to these low-life crimes,” he added.
The bill's introduction comes ahead of what federal forecasters recently predicted will be an unusually heavy hurricane season. Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to Nov. 30, and forecasters expect three to five major hurricanes this season.