A new bipartisan bill has been introduced in Congress with the aim to crack 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. This move comes in the wake of recent natural disasters that have left communities vulnerable to looting and theft.
Under the LOOTER Act, petty larceny during a natural disaster would be punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. The bill has gained support from both Democrats and Republicans, with many lawmakers recognizing the need to protect affected communities during times of crisis.
Rep. Panetta, who represents California’s Central Coast, has seen firsthand the devastation caused by natural disasters. In 2017, his district was hit by severe wildfires that destroyed homes and businesses. In the aftermath of the disaster, there were reports of looting and theft, adding to the already immense burden faced by the affected communities.
In a statement, Rep. Panetta said, “During times of disaster, communities are already facing immense challenges. The last thing they need is to worry about looters taking advantage of the chaos. The LOOTER Act aims to deter such criminal behavior and provide a sense of security to those who have already lost so much.”
The bill has also received support from organizations such as the National Association of Police Organizations and the National Sheriffs’ Association. These groups have long advocated for stricter penalties for looting during natural disasters, citing the need to protect both property and public safety.
The LOOTER Act is not the first of its kind. In 2005, following Hurricane Katrina, Congress passed the Disaster Recovery Personal Protection Act, which made looting during a federally declared disaster a federal crime. However, the LOOTER Act seeks to strengthen and expand upon this law by making petty larceny a felony offense.
While some may argue that the penalties outlined in the LOOTER Act are too harsh, supporters believe that they are necessary to deter potential looters. In the midst of a natural disaster, law enforcement resources are already stretched thin, and the last thing they need is to deal with looters taking advantage of the situation.
Moreover, the LOOTER Act also includes provisions for restitution to be paid to victims of looting. This not only provides a sense of justice for those who have been victimized but also serves as a deterrent for potential looters.
In addition to the penalties for looting, the LOOTER Act also includes measures to protect disaster relief workers and volunteers. Under the bill, assaulting or obstructing these individuals would also be considered a felony offense.
The LOOTER Act has received widespread support from disaster relief organizations and volunteer groups. These individuals often put their own safety at risk to help those affected by natural disasters, and it is crucial that they are protected from any potential harm.
In conclusion, the LOOTER Act is a much-needed step towards protecting communities during natural disasters. It sends a strong message that looting and theft will not be tolerated and provides a sense of security to those who are already facing immense challenges. As Rep. Panetta stated, “We must do everything in our power to ensure that those affected by natural disasters are not victimized again by opportunistic criminals.” With the support of both Democrats and Republicans, it is hoped that the LOOTER Act will soon become law and provide much-needed protection to communities during times of crisis.
