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Bill

HB 2135

Relating to the prosecution of the criminal offense of organized retail theft.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Salman Bhojani

HB 2135 modifies Texas criminal law to strengthen prosecution of organized retail theft, likely through enhanced penalties or coordination procedures between retailers and law enforcement.

Referred directly to subcommittee by chair
#crimes--againstproperty(i0175)
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Bill Summary · HB 2135

Legislative bill overview

HB 2135 modifies Texas law regarding how organized retail theft is prosecuted, likely adjusting penalties, evidence standards, or coordination mechanisms between retailers and law enforcement. The bill is currently in the Criminal Jurisprudence Committee's subcommittee stage after being filed in January 2025.

Why is this important

Organized retail theft (ORT)—coordinated theft rings targeting multiple stores—has grown significantly in Texas and nationwide, causing substantial losses for retailers and affecting product availability and prices for consumers. How states define and prosecute ORT directly impacts retailers' ability to combat these networks and influences public safety priorities in the criminal justice system.

Potential points of contention

  • Severity of penalties: Whether increased criminal penalties deter organized theft or disproportionately affect individuals caught in ORT networks
  • Coordination mechanisms: Questions about whether the bill creates liability for retailers, requires information-sharing with law enforcement, or establishes new regulatory frameworks
  • Definitional boundaries: How "organized" retail theft is legally defined—whether it captures small-scale coordinated activity or only large networks
  • Resource allocation: Whether prosecution resources should prioritize ORT versus other criminal offenses

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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