The bill S. 357 aims to create a new offense of mail theft in South Carolina by adding Section 16-13-190 to the South Carolina Code of Laws. This section defines "mail" and "mail receptacle," and outlines various actions that constitute mail theft, including knowingly taking, destroying, or obtaining mail with the intent to deprive or defraud another person. The bill establishes penalties for violations, categorizing them as either a Class E felony or a Class A misdemeanor, depending on the intent and the number of offenses. Additionally, the court is mandated to order restitution to the victim in cases of mail theft.

Furthermore, the bill amends existing sections of the South Carolina Code to include mail theft as an offense, although specific details of these amendments are not provided in the summary. The legislation is set to take effect upon approval by the Governor, reinforcing the state's commitment to addressing mail theft and protecting postal customers.

Statutes affected:
02/18/2025: 16-13-190
04/16/2025: 16-13-190
Latest Version: 16-13-190
02/18/2025-A: 16-13-190