Bill > HB291

This bill updates Maryland's criminal law regarding the unauthorized taking and opening of letters, increasing the potential fine for such an offense from $15 to $500 while maintaining the existing 6-day imprisonment penalty. The law makes it illegal for an individual to take and open a letter that is not addressed to them without explicit permission from either the intended recipient or their personal representative (such as an executor of their estate). The bill will go into effect on October 1, 2025, providing clarity and a more substantial financial deterrent for what is considered a misdemeanor offense. The increased fine reflects a more modern approach to protecting personal communication privacy, signaling that unauthorized interference with someone else's mail is a serious breach of personal boundaries.

Justice

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0291?ys=2025RS