The bill, H.B. No. 1572, aims to enhance penalties for mail theft and certain criminal offenses against employees or contractors of common carriers or delivery services while they are delivering mail. It amends the Penal Code to classify offenses against these individuals as felonies of the third degree, thereby increasing the severity of the penalties. Specifically, the bill introduces new legal language that recognizes employees or contractors of common carriers or delivery services as protected individuals under the law, similar to public servants and emergency personnel.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing provisions regarding the theft of mail, establishing presumptions about the actor's intent based on the number of addressees involved. For instance, possessing mail addressed to five or more individuals creates a presumption of criminal conduct unless the actor is performing their duties as a delivery service employee. The bill also revises the classification of offenses based on the number of addressees affected, increasing penalties for larger-scale thefts. The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will only apply to offenses committed after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Penal Code 22.01, Penal Code 22.02, Penal Code 31.20 (Penal Code 22, Penal Code 31)
House Committee Report: Penal Code 22.01, Penal Code 22.02, Penal Code 31.20 (Penal Code 22, Penal Code 31)