May 23, 2025
Mr. Panetta (for himself, Mr. Bean of Florida, and Mr. Nehls) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary
To amend title 18, United States Code, to provide for the punishment of larceny during natural disasters.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Law On Offender Transgressions during Emergencies and Recovery Act of 2025
or as the LOOTER Act of 2025
.
Sec. 2. Larceny during natural disasters
(a) In general
Chapter _ of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
__. Larceny during natural disasters
(a) Petit larceny
Whoever, during any period where any county in a State is subject to an emergency declared pursuant to section 501 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5191), commits petit larceny in that State (as defined under the law of the State in which the offense occurred) shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 1 year, or both.
(b) Grand larceny
Whoever, during any period where any county in a State is subject to an emergency declared pursuant to section 501 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5191), commits grand larceny in that State (as defined under the law of the State in which the offense occurred) shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both.
(b) Clerical amendment
The table of sections for such chapter is amended by adding at the end the following: