H.B. No. 4414 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 in transit or delivered but not yet received, and introduces the definition of "negotiable instrument" as per the Business & Commerce Code. It also modifies the criteria for committing an offense by removing the requirement that mail be appropriated from another person's mailbox or premises, instead focusing on the intent to deprive the addressee of mail or to steal a negotiable instrument. The penalties for such offenses are escalated based on the number of addressees affected and the nature of the appropriated items.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new section, 32.56, which criminalizes the unlawful conduct involving mail receptacle keys or locks. It establishes that obtaining, possessing, duplicating, transferring, or using a postal service key or lock with the intent to harm or defraud is a felony offense, with increased penalties for repeat offenders. The changes in law will apply only to offenses committed 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 31, Penal Code 3)