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MD SB171

Bill

Status

Introduced

1/14/2026

Primary Sponsor

Jeff Waldstreicher

Click for details

Origin

Senate

2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Expands the definition of "mail" to include items delivered by U.S. Postal Service, common carriers, or delivery services, including letters, postal cards, and packages

  • Creates a misdemeanor offense for knowingly opening another person's mail without permission, punishable by up to 1 month imprisonment and/or $1,000 fine

  • Establishes tiered penalties for mail theft: misdemeanor (up to 6 months, $1,000 fine) for 1-15 items; felony (up to 2 years, $2,000 fine) for 16+ items; felony (up to 5 years, $5,000 fine) when using an arrow key

  • Prohibits possession of an arrow key (master key used by postal/delivery employees) with intent to commit mail theft, punishable as a felony with up to 3 years imprisonment and/or $3,000 fine

  • Grants concurrent jurisdiction to District Court and circuit court for mail theft violations; effective October 1, 2026

Legislative Description

Mail Theft

Criminal Law - Substantive Crimes

Last Action

Hearing 1/22 at 1:00 p.m.

1/13/2026

Committee Referrals

Judicial Proceedings1/14/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available