Lawton, OK — A new bill proposed by Oklahoma state Rep. Rande Worthen is sparking controversy as it seeks to make it a criminal offense to possess a shopping cart removed from a store’s parking area. House Bill 1689 (HB 1689) would impose penalties of fines or up to one year in jail for individuals caught in possession of a shopping cart taken from a business, with a focus on curbing the rising number of shopping cart thefts reported by retailers.
Worthen, a Republican from Lawton, introduced the bill after hearing complaints from local businesses about the frequent theft of shopping carts. He claims that merchants in Lawton alone lose hundreds of carts each quarter, with costs ranging from $200 to $250 per cart. Retailers like Walmart have reportedly incurred thousands of dollars in annual expenses replacing the missing carts, which are often abandoned in public spaces like streets, alleyways, and waterways, creating potential traffic hazards.
“I was contacted by several business owners who said they were losing 100 or more shopping carts every quarter,” Worthen said in an interview. “The cost of replacing them adds up quickly, and they can cause a lot of problems when left in public areas.”
Under the proposed law, it would be illegal to not only steal shopping carts but also to simply possess one that has been taken from a store. Violators could face fines or jail time, depending on the circumstances.
However, critics argue that the bill could disproportionately target homeless individuals, who often use stolen carts to transport their belongings. Pastor George Young, a former state senator, voiced strong opposition to the bill, calling it an unnecessary measure that fails to address the underlying issue of homelessness.
“We should be focusing on solutions to reduce homelessness, not penalizing people who are simply trying to survive,” Young said. “This bill seems to be aimed at criminalizing the homeless rather than offering real help or support.”
Young also expressed concern that the bill would not effectively solve the problem it aims to address. “Instead of creating more laws that punish the most vulnerable, why not work with the homeless alliance or local organizations that are trying to help people get back on their feet?” he added.
Worthen, however, emphasized that his proposal would allow municipalities to adopt local ordinances that align with the state law. He suggested that cities could tailor the legislation to their needs, potentially offering warnings for first-time offenders or requiring individuals to return stolen carts.
“I want to give local governments the tools they need to address this issue in a way that makes sense for their communities,” Worthen explained.
The debate over HB 1689 highlights the broader challenges faced by lawmakers when trying to balance business interests with social issues. While supporters argue the bill is necessary to protect businesses from financial losses, opponents believe it may have unintended consequences, particularly for vulnerable populations like the homeless.
As the bill moves forward in the legislative process, it remains to be seen whether it will garner enough support to become law, or if lawmakers will reconsider the approach in light of concerns raised by critics.
