A new bipartisan bill has been introduced in Congress with the aim of cracking down on looting during natural disasters. The Law On Offender Transgressions during Emergencies and Recovery (LOOTER) Act, drafted by Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.), seeks to make theft a felony in areas under federal disaster declaration.
Natural disasters, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and wildfires, can cause immense damage and destruction to communities. In such trying times, people are vulnerable and in need of support and assistance. However, there are always a few individuals who take advantage of the chaos and devastation by looting and stealing from their own neighbors.
The LOOTER Act aims to deter such criminal behavior by making it a felony offense to commit petty larceny during a natural disaster. This means that anyone caught stealing or looting during a federal disaster declaration could face up to five years in prison and hefty fines.
Rep. Panetta, who has been a vocal advocate for disaster relief and recovery efforts, believes that this bill is necessary to protect the affected communities. He stated, “During times of disaster, our communities are already facing enough challenges. We must ensure that those who seek to exploit the situation for their own gain are held accountable for their actions.”
The LOOTER Act has received bipartisan support, with Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) co-sponsoring the bill. He emphasized the importance of protecting victims of natural disasters, saying, “It is unconscionable that anyone would take advantage of their fellow citizens during a time of crisis. This bill sends a strong message that looting will not be tolerated and those who engage in such criminal behavior will face severe consequences.”
The bill also has the support of various law enforcement agencies, including the National Sheriffs’ Association and the Fraternal Order of Police. They believe that this legislation will not only deter looters but also help law enforcement agencies to better protect and serve their communities during and after a natural disaster.
In addition to making looting a felony, the LOOTER Act also includes provisions to increase penalties for looting in disaster areas and to provide additional resources for law enforcement agencies to combat looting. It also requires the Department of Justice to report to Congress on the effectiveness of the law in reducing looting during disasters.
The LOOTER Act has been welcomed by disaster relief organizations, such as the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army. They often provide essential aid and supplies to affected communities, and looting can hinder their efforts and put their volunteers at risk. With this new legislation, they hope to see a decrease in looting and a safer environment for their volunteers and those in need.
The bill has now been referred to the House Judiciary Committee for further consideration. If passed, it will be a significant step towards protecting communities during natural disasters and holding looters accountable for their actions.
In conclusion, the LOOTER Act is a crucial piece of legislation that aims to crack down on looting during natural disasters. It sends a strong message that looting will not be tolerated and those who engage in such criminal behavior will face severe consequences. This bipartisan effort shows that protecting communities during times of crisis is a top priority for our lawmakers. Let us hope that this bill becomes law and helps to create a safer and more secure environment for all during natural disasters.