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MD HB767

Bill

Status

Introduced

2/4/2026

Primary Sponsor

Frank Conaway

Click for details

Origin

House of Delegates

2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Creates a new felony offense (Section 7–106.1) for knowingly or willfully obtaining or exerting control over mail or packages delivered by USPS or other delivery services without the intended recipient's permission, with intent to deprive them of the item, punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment
  • Amends the existing misdemeanor offense for opening another person's letter (Section 3–905) to require convicted persons to pay administrative costs related to notifying the U.S. Postmaster General; existing penalties of 6 days imprisonment and a $15 fine remain unchanged
  • Requires courts to promptly notify the United States Postmaster General of convictions under both the mail-opening and mail/package theft provisions when the items were delivered or intended for delivery by USPS
  • Defines "mail or package" broadly to include items delivered or left for collection by the U.S. Postal Service or any delivery service company that delivers tangible personal property
  • Effective date is October 1, 2026; introduced by Delegate Conaway and assigned to the Judiciary Committee

Legislative Description

Criminal Law - Theft and Opening of Mail and Packages

Notices

Last Action

Hearing 2/17 at 1:00 p.m.

2/5/2026

Committee Referrals

Judiciary2/4/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available