The Colorado Senate convened on February 21, 2025, for Legislative Day 045, where key discussions centered around Senate Bill 70, introduced by Senators Liston and Roberts. The bill aims to enhance regulations for online marketplaces concerning third-party sellers, particularly in the context of organized retail theft.

Senator Roberts initiated the discussion by moving Senate Bill 70 forward, noting the absence of a committee report. He explained that the bill builds upon legislation passed three years prior, which sought to combat organized retail theft. The proposed legislation introduces minor clarifications and tools necessary for law enforcement and attorneys general to effectively address the issue of stolen goods being sold online.

Senator Liston emphasized the significant impact of retail theft on businesses across Colorado. He referenced a 2023 retail security survey indicating that 45% of retailers had to reduce operating hours, while 30% altered their product selections, and over 28% closed specific locations due to theft. The financial repercussions are substantial, with an estimated loss of $78 million in sales tax revenue attributed to retail theft in 2023. Furthermore, there was a reported 52% increase in e-commerce fraud between 2022 and 2023.

The bill seeks to improve collaboration between retail stores, law enforcement, and online marketplaces to mitigate these issues. By establishing a consistent framework for law enforcement to address e-commerce fraud, the bill aims to make it more challenging to sell stolen goods online.

Senators Liston and Roberts concluded their presentation by urging their colleagues to support Senate Bill 70, highlighting its potential to protect businesses and enhance the integrity of online marketplaces. The discussion underscored the ongoing challenges posed by retail theft and the legislative efforts to address them effectively.