HB1689 would make it unlawful to remove a shopping cart from a retail establishment with the intent to deprive the owner of its use, and punish offenders with a fine and/or imprisonment.

The House passed HB1689 on March 12, 2025, by a vote of 54 to 33. We have assigned pluses to the yeas because retail theft (i.e., shoplifting) needs to be illegal and punished as a crime. No one has the right to the property of someone else, regardless of value or price tag. Stealing less does not make one less a thief. As justice is the overall purpose of government, civil society necessitates enforcing the basic moral principle that “You shall not steal.” Prohibiting acts of petty theft deters higher crimes, such as felony theft, and, most importantly, results in safer, more trustworthy, and cleaner communities.