A new bipartisan bill being proposed in the House would make looting during natural disasters a felony. The bill comes at the front of hurricane season, which stretches from June 1-Nov. 30.
The Hill reported Wednesday that the Law On Offender Transgressions during Emergencies and Recovery, or LOOTER Act, introduced by Rep. Jimmy Panetta, D-Calif., would make petty larceny during natural disasters a crime punishable by up to one year in prison. For grand larceny, one could get up to five years in prison.
“As a former prosecutor, I’ve seen firsthand how looting during emergencies only deepens the suffering of disaster victims,” Panetta said in a statement. “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.”
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