Bill > HB305

This bill amends Alabama's existing theft of property statute to expand the definition of theft and clarify prosecution timelines. Specifically, the bill adds two new scenarios to what constitutes theft: (1) knowingly obtaining unauthorized control over donated items left on a charitable organization's property or near their drop boxes, and (2) knowingly obtaining unauthorized control over mailed or shipped items intended for another person with the intent to deprive the recipient of their property. The bill also modifies the statute's language to remove semicolons and make the text more readable. Additionally, the bill adjusts the limitations period for prosecuting theft by deception, specifying that the five-year prosecution window begins when the deceptive acts are discovered, rather than when they occur. The changes to this section of the Alabama Code will take effect on October 1, 2025, providing clarity and potentially broader legal protections against various forms of property theft.

Justice

https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/bill-search