Bill > HB210

This bill addresses mail and package theft by updating Maryland's criminal law to create more robust protections against what is commonly referred to as "porch piracy." The bill establishes clear definitions and penalties for stealing mail or packages delivered by the U.S. Postal Service or delivery companies. Specifically, the legislation defines "mail" as items intended to be delivered to a specific address, and makes it a crime to knowingly and intentionally open mail addressed to another person without permission. The bill introduces new misdemeanor and felony charges for mail theft, with potential penalties including imprisonment up to 1 month or a fine of $1,000 for basic mail theft, and more severe penalties for theft using special access keys (such as postal worker keys). Additionally, the bill updates jurisdictional provisions to ensure that mail theft cases can be appropriately prosecuted in District or Circuit Courts. The legislation also adds mail theft as a specific crime that can be investigated using facial recognition technology. The new law is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, providing law enforcement and judicial systems time to prepare for its implementation.

Justice

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0210?ys=2025RS