A new bill in Oklahoma, HB1689, aims to make it a misdemeanor to take a shopping cart from a retail store parking lot and not return it. State Rep. Rande Worthen filed the bill after a municipality reached out to him for clarification on how to handle the issue. While some lawmakers expressed support for the bill, others argued that it is already illegal to steal a shopping cart in Oklahoma and that the bill may disproportionately target those experiencing homelessness.
State Rep. Eddy Dempsey supported the bill, stating that shopping carts do not belong to individuals and should be left alone in parking lots. On the other hand, State Rep. Forrest Bennett expressed concerns that the bill could be used to target vulnerable populations. Some lawmakers suggested that it should be up to retailers to secure their own shopping carts.
Despite the controversy, the bill passed the House floor in a 54 to 33 vote and will now move to the Senate for consideration. Worthen defended the bill by highlighting the need for clarity and a specific statute or city ordinance to address the issue. The debate surrounding the bill reflects a larger conversation about property rights and the responsibilities of both individuals and businesses.
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