Quinn Signs Organized Retail Theft Bill

Gov. Pat Quinn on Wednesday signed legislation aimed at strengthening the state's efforts to combat organized retail crime.

"Organized crime, where large amounts of goods are stolen through fraud or thievery can cost all of us a great deal of money.  It costs our merchants, obviously, but it also costs our taxpayers in money that isn't probably paid in sales tax," said Quinn.

Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez estimated Illinois lost $77 million in tax dollars because of such thefts.

The new law takes effect June 1 and allows for prosecutors to seek forfeiture of assets of those convicted of organized retail crime.

The bill -- HB6460 -- also has a softer side, and allows for some convicted under the new law to have their convictions expunged after two years, rather than five.

This, legislators said, allows ex-offenders a great opportunity to successfully seek employment.

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