Hochul announces new safeguards for NY retail workers

ALBANY, N.Y. (WCAX) - New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is touting another budget item-- this one cracks down on retail theft.

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New protections signed into law give more power to law enforcement, prosecutors and business owners, as well as increase protections for people working in the industry.

Small businesses are eligible for a $5 million tax credit for adding security measures and the law increases penalties for anyone who assaults a retail worker.

“It won’t just be a misdemeanor anymore. You think it’s OK to walk in and assault a retail worker? You’ll be charged with a felony. There are serious consequences to this. Serious consequences,” said Hochul, D-New York.

Other components of the law would make it harder for thieves to resell stolen goods, and work with state and local police to create retail theft teams.

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