summary
Introduced
02/04/2026
02/04/2026
In Committee
02/04/2026
02/04/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Increasing the fine for violating the prohibition against taking and breaking open a letter addressed to another without the other's permission from $15 to $500.
AI Summary
This bill increases the penalty for the crime of unlawfully taking and opening another person's mail. Currently, the law prohibits anyone from taking and opening a letter not addressed to them without the permission of the intended recipient or their estate's representative, and a violation is a misdemeanor punishable by up to six days in jail and a fine of $15. This legislation, which will take effect on October 1, 2026, raises that fine significantly to $500, while the jail time remains the same.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
House Judiciary Hearing (13:00:00 2/17/2026 ) (on 02/17/2026)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0782?ys=2026RS |
| BillText | https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2026RS/bills/hb/hb0782f.pdf |
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