If the legislature provides money, the Arizona attorney general must set up a task force to investigate and recommend prosecution of cargo and freight theft, and must report on its work each year starting by July 1, 2027.
Official title: cargo theft task force
- September 12, 2026
- Task force is established subject to legislative appropriation: Creation of the cargo theft task force
- First annual report due by July 1, 2027, then every year: Attorney general's annual report on task force activities
What changes
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NowSubject to legislative appropriation (meaning if lawmakers provide funding), the attorney general must establish a cargo theft task force and invite federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to take part.
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NowThe task force consists of 1 full-time prosecutor, 1 full-time paralegal, 1 full-time support staff member, 6 investigators, and any additional law enforcement personnel the attorney general designates.
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NowThe task force must investigate, apprehend and recommend for prosecution, as appropriate, people or entities involved in cargo theft, including organized or repeat offenders and those who knowingly facilitate, finance or receive stolen cargo for financial gain. It must also review cases referred by other law enforcement agencies.
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NowThe task force must coordinate with law enforcement and industry stakeholders to identify new cargo theft trends and methods and recommend prevention strategies.
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NowBy July 1, 2027 and every year after, the attorney general must report to the governor and legislative leaders, with a copy to the secretary of state, covering investigations, theft trends, cargo recovered, restitution ordered and collected, assets forfeited, and any recommendations.
Who it affects
- Businesses that ship, carry or store cargo and freight
- People or entities suspected of cargo theft or of receiving stolen cargo
- Arizona Attorney General's Office
- Federal, state and local law enforcement agencies invited to participate
What you need to do
Nothing.
What the law doesn't answer
- How much money, if any, has been appropriated for the task force
- Whether this law changes any criminal penalties for cargo theft (it does not set new penalties)
- When the task force must be set up once funding is provided
- Whether other agencies are required to join the task force (the attorney general must only invite them)
- Whether the annual report will be made available to the public
This summary describes the law as enacted. Later laws, court rulings or referendum petitions can change the picture. Check the official text for the current wording.