Bill > HB1773

This bill amends the Criminal Code of 2012 to create a new offense of mail theft, making it illegal to take, hold, conceal, or destroy mail addressed to another person with the intent to defraud or deprive the recipient of their mail. The bill defines "mail" as including letters, postal cards, packages, bags, and other sealed articles addressed to a person, and broadly defines "person" to include individuals, partnerships, corporations, and other legal entities. Under the new law, a first-time offender would be charged with a Class A misdemeanor, while subsequent offenses would be classified as a Class 3 felony. Importantly, the provision applies regardless of whether the intended mail recipient is alive or deceased at the time of the violation. The bill also ensures that perpetrators can still be charged with additional crimes committed using stolen mail or during the mail theft process, thereby providing law enforcement with flexibility in prosecuting such offenses. The bill becomes effective immediately and aims to protect individuals' mail and prevent mail-related fraud.

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=1773&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=114&GA=104