PRINTER'S NO. 3555
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE BILL
No.
2528
Session of
2024
INTRODUCED BY WHITE, TOMLINSON, HOGAN, M. MACKENZIE,
R. MACKENZIE, KAUFFMAN, MARCELL, HEFFLEY, NEILSON, BANTA,
SMITH, STAATS, M. JONES, JOZWIAK, GILLEN AND ROWE,
AUGUST 12, 2024
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY, AUGUST 12, 2024
AN ACT
Amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania
Consolidated Statutes, in riot, disorderly conduct and
related offenses, providing for the offense of looting.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. Title 18 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated
Statutes is amended by adding a section to read:
ยง 5518. Looting.
(a) Offense defined.--A person commits the offense of
looting if the person, during or immediately following a natural
disaster, lawful protest or gathering to demonstrate civil
disobedience, commits any of the following offenses:
(1) Burglary as defined in section 3502(a) (relating to
burglary).
(2) Retail theft as defined in section 3929(a) (relating
to retail theft).
(3) Organized retail theft as defined in section
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3929.3(a) (relating to organized retail theft).
(b) Grading.--An offense under subsection (a) shall be
classified as a felony of the second degree.
(c) Definitions.--As used in this section, the following
words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this
subsection unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Natural disaster." A hurricane, tornado, storm, flood,
high-water situation, wind-driven water situation, tidal wave,
earthquake, landslide, mudslide, snowstorm, drought, fire,
explosion or other catastrophe that results in damage to
property, hardship, suffering or possible loss of life.
Section 2. This act shall take effect in 60 days.
20240HB2528PN3555 - 2 -
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