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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2021 - 2022
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | December 2, 2020 01:21 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Wendi Thomas |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Theft of Mail (Former HB 2595) |
| I worked with the Bucks County District Attorney, Matt Weintraub, to have a bill crafted that would crack down on home delivery theft. With the continuing COVID-19 health crisis, deliveries are soaring and more packages are being left unattended on porches rather than risk an interaction with someone. Therefore, in the near future, I intend to reintroduce legislation entitled, "Theft of Mail". This bill provides that if a person takes mail of another person with the intent to deprive them of it, the person would commit a criminal offense. With the ongoing pandemic we are in, online purchases are way up. And while we are at home, there is certainly much less of an issue. However, as we move forward, this will become a much broader issue. A 2019 report found that 36% of Americans who shop online have had a package stolen. Theft of mail is currently charged under other theft offenses based solely on the value of the item taken. My legislation would implement specific penalties for theft of mail, which includes a package, bag or letter. The grading of this offense would increase if the person has prior convictions for theft of mail. Here is a news story of the issue in my town last holiday season: https://6abc.com/package-theft-delivery-christmas-deliver-porch-pirates/5752812/. Please join me in cosponsoring this legislation. |
Introduced as HB1051