June 1 marks the start of the 2025 hurricane season, and an effort to curb looting following a natural disaster has been introduced as the Law On Offender Transgressions During Emergencies and Recovery (LOOTER) Act.
The bill was proposed by U.S. Rep. Aaron Bean, (R), as a means “to protect communities from criminals who exploit disaster-stricken areas by imposing federal criminal penalties for theft during declared natural disasters.”
“When disaster strikes, you should not have to choose between evacuating for your safety or safeguarding your property. This bill sends a clear message: We will not tolerate the exploitation of natural disaster victims. I’m proud to join Congressman Panetta in ensuring looters who prey on victims think twice before ever committing such heinous crimes.” stated Bean in a press conference.
Alongside Bean, the bill was also introduced by U.S. Reps. Jimmy Panetta, (D-CA); Tom Suozzi, (D-N.Y.); and Troy Nehls,(R-TX).
“The LOOTER Act would ensure that those who prey on communities during times of crisis face serious consequences under federal law. Our bipartisan legislation is critical to better protecting disaster-stricken communities, supporting our local law enforcement partners, and sending a clear message that if you loot during a disaster, you will be held accountable.” stated Panetta.
In the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene in September 2024 and Milton in October 2024, residents from affected areas struggled against the wave of looters stealing items from the destroyed homes.
One resident, JoEllen Conover of Hudson, Florida, took to social media, showing makeshift signs with warnings and threats written on them to deter looting from the ruined properties.
"Before any of us were even able to assess the damages to our homes, we were preyed upon by people driving around, waiting for us to throw away our sewage-soaked belongings," Conover said in an interview with Newsweek.
