Senate Bill No. 1281 aims to enhance the legal framework surrounding criminal offenses related to mail and mail receptacles. The bill amends Section 31.20 of the Penal Code by redefining "mail" to include items that are in transit or have been delivered but not yet received by the addressee. It also introduces a new definition for "negotiable instrument" and establishes that a person commits an offense if they intentionally appropriate mail without the consent of the addressee, with the intent to deprive them of the mail or steal a negotiable instrument. The penalties for such offenses are escalated based on the number of addressees affected, with specific classifications of felonies depending on the severity of the crime.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new section, 32.56, which criminalizes the unlawful conduct involving mail receptacle keys or locks. It specifies that obtaining, possessing, duplicating, transferring, or using a postal service key or lock with the intent to harm or defraud another person constitutes a felony of the third degree, with increased penalties for repeat offenders. The changes in law will apply only to offenses committed on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Penal Code 31.20, Penal Code 3.104 (Penal Code 3, Penal Code 31)
Senate Committee Report: Penal Code 31.20, Penal Code 3.104 (Penal Code 3, Penal Code 31)
Engrossed: Penal Code 31.20, Penal Code 3.104 (Penal Code 3, Penal Code 31)