MS HB1274

Establishes mail theft as a crime, including stealing mail, obtaining mail through fraud, damaging mail depositories, and possessing stolen mail; first offense punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and/or $5,000 fine, second offense by 1-10 years imprisonment and/or $20,000 fine.

Criminalizes theft or unauthorized reproduction of mail depository keys and locks, including forging or counterfeiting keys designed for mail access; penalties mirror mail theft offenses with same sentencing structure.

Makes theft or receipt of stolen unsigned checks or similar sight orders a crime; first offense carries up to 5 years imprisonment and/or $5,000 fine, second offense carries 1-10 years imprisonment and/or up to $20,000 fine.

Criminalizes trafficking in or possession of counterfeit credit/debit cards and unauthorized use of card numbers, expiration dates, or digital imprint data; penalties escalate from misdemeanor (less than 5 items) to felony with up to 20 years imprisonment (50 or more items) depending on quantity.

Requires full restitution to victims for all offenses; allows prosecution in county where offense occurred or where victim resides or conducts business; establishes these crimes as additional offenses that can be prosecuted alongside other similar crimes; effective July 1, 2025.