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Lawmakers hear competing views on bill to raise theft thresholds; fiscal note projects rising prison and jail costs
Summary
Senate Bill 19—s proposal to raise the theft threshold and increase penalties drew support from retailers and law-enforcement organizations and sharp questions from corrections and defense witnesses about growing fiscal and operational costs.
Senator Barry Usher opened the hearing on Senate Bill 19 by arguing that raising the theft threshold to $1,500 and enhancing penalties would deter repeat offenders and reduce long-term costs to retailers and communities. "We're just changing that again, bringing it back to the way it was before '17," Usher said, arguing retailers and consumers bear costs when theft goes unchecked.
Proponents included retail and convenience-store trade groups and law-enforcement associations. "This seems like a nominal investment for our state to endeavor," said a Montana Retail…
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