Bill > H4144

This bill amends South Carolina law by creating a comprehensive statute addressing mail theft, defining specific offenses and penalties. The bill defines "mail" as any postal item with postage that has been accepted, deposited, or is in transit, and establishes what constitutes a "mail receptacle" and "postal service". The legislation outlines multiple criminal acts related to mail theft, including knowingly taking, destroying, hiding, or embezzling mail with intent to deprive or defraud; buying or possessing stolen mail; possessing unauthorized postal service keys; damaging mail receptacles; and conspiring to commit such acts. The bill provides graduated penalties, with first offenses classified as misdemeanors punishable by up to three years in prison and/or a $5,000 fine, and subsequent offenses elevated to felonies carrying potential penalties of up to ten years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine. Additionally, the court is mandated to order restitution to victims of mail theft. The law will take effect upon the Governor's approval, creating a new legal mechanism to prosecute and deter mail-related criminal activities in South Carolina.

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https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=4144&session=126&summary=B