Bill > SB513

This bill creates two new criminal offenses in Arkansas related to mail theft and mail receptacle key/lock tampering. The first offense, mail theft, occurs when a person knowingly takes, obtains by deception, or sells/receives mail that does not belong to them, with the intent to deprive the rightful owner of the mail. The bill defines "mail" broadly to include letters, packages, and other sealed articles, and "mail depository" includes mailboxes, postal service vehicles, and other mail collection points. A first-time mail theft offense is classified as a Class D felony, while subsequent offenses are Class A felonies. The bill also mandates that convicted individuals must pay full restitution to victims. The second offense involves theft or unauthorized reproduction of mail receptacle keys or locks, which is also a Class D felony for first-time offenders and a Class A felony for repeat offenders. Importantly, the bill allows prosecution in either the county where the offense occurred or the county of residence/business of the victim. These new provisions aim to protect mail and postal service property by creating clear legal consequences for mail-related theft and tampering.

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https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=sb513&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R