Washington HB2729: Retail theft

What the bill says

An act Relating to restoring public order and protecting families and communities by strengthening consequences for repeat theft and related property offenses and allowing limited court-supervised alternatives when they reduce reoffending; adding a new chapter to Title 9A RCW; prescribing penalties; and providing an effective date. NEW SECTION.

From the introduced text:

AN ACT Relating to restoring public order and protecting families and communities by strengthening consequences for repeat theft and related property offenses and allowing limited court-supervised alternatives when they reduce reoffending; adding a new chapter to Title 9A RCW; prescribing penalties; and providing an effective date. NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS AND INTENT.(1) The legislature finds that repeat theft and related property offenses have imposed significant and growing costs on Washington businesses, working families, and taxpayers. While these crimes are often classified as nonviolent, they are not victimless. Repeat offenders and organized theft rings harm local employers, increase prices for consumers, threaten retail employees, and reduce public confidence that basic standards of conduct will be enforced. (2) The legislature further finds that widespread theft and repeat offending have contributed to the closure of grocery stores, pharmacies, and other essential retail in certain neighborhoods. These closures reduce access to food, medicine, and basic household goods and can create or worsen food deserts, particularly for low-income families, seniors, and residents without reliable transportation. Businesses report that theft occurs daily, losses have become unsustainable, and reporting often results in little or no action, causing many stores to reduce reporting, absorb losses, relocate, or close. (3) Therefore, the intent of this act is to restore public order and protect communities by strengthening tools …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Daniel Griffey (R) · primary sponsor
• Leavitt, Mari (D)
• Adison Richards (D)
• Cyndy Jacobsen (R)
• John Ley (R)
• Michael Keaton (R)
• David Stuebe (R)
• Greg Nance (D)
• Gerry Pollet (D)

Latest actions

1. February 5, 2026: First reading, referred to Community Safety.

Common questions

What is HB2729?

HB2729 is a bill in the Washington Legislature (2025-26 Regular Session): Retail theft.

What does HB2729 do?

In its own words: An act Relating to restoring public order and protecting families and communities by strengthening consequences for repeat theft and related property offenses and allowing limited court-supervised alternatives when they reduce reoffending; adding a new chapter to Title 9A RCW; prescribing penalties; and providing an effective date. NEW SECTION.

What is the status of HB2729?

In committee as of February 5, 2026. Latest action: First reading, referred to Community Safety. (February 5, 2026).

Who sponsored HB2729?

Daniel Griffey (R), with 8 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for HB2729?

On the Washington Legislature website: https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2729&Year=2025