The bill establishes new criminal offenses related to mail theft and receiving stolen mail in Alabama. It defines "mail" as any sealed article delivered by the United States Postal Service or a delivery service that has not yet been received by the addressee. A person commits mail theft if they take mail addressed to another without consent and with the intent to deprive the addressee of it. The penalties for mail theft vary based on the number of addresses affected, with a Class A misdemeanor for theft from fewer than 10 addresses, escalating to a Class C felony for theft from 30 or more addresses. Additionally, if the theft is committed with the intent to obtain sensitive personally identifying information for fraudulent purposes, the penalties increase to a Class C felony for fewer than 10 addresses and a Class B felony for more than 10 addresses.

The bill also criminalizes the act of receiving stolen mail, defining it as intentionally receiving or disposing of mail known to be stolen, unless the intent is to return it to the owner. The penalties for receiving stolen mail are set as a Class A misdemeanor, with an increased penalty to a Class C felony if the mail contains sensitive personally identifying information intended for fraud. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025. The new legal language includes the definitions of mail and sensitive personally identifying information, as well as the specific classifications and penalties for the crimes established.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 8-38-2
Enrolled: 8-38-2