(The Center Square) – Washington retailers are feeling a bit more optimistic about dealing with theft now that lawmakers have passed changes in state and federal law.

This session, the Washington State Legislature passed Initiative 2113 to lessen restrictions on police pursuits. Retailers hope the new measure, which goes into effect in June, will provide some relief for merchants who have spent the last few years watching shopping carts filled with stolen merchandise be walked out of their stores by thieves and driven away.