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HB 792

Criminal Law - Theft - Mail and Packages (Porch Piracy Act of 2026)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Frank Conaway

Maryland bill creates distinct criminal offense for package/mail theft with enhanced penalties to address residential porch piracy losses.

Hearing 2/17 at 1:00 p.m.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 792

Legislative bill overview

HB 792 creates enhanced criminal penalties specifically for theft of mail and packages left on residential property (commonly known as "porch piracy"). The bill distinguishes package theft from general larceny, establishing it as a separate criminal offense with its own sentencing guidelines and potential penalties.

Why is this important

Package theft has become a widespread problem affecting millions of households annually, with significant financial losses to consumers and increased costs to delivery services. Creating a distinct statutory offense allows law enforcement to specifically target and prosecute this crime, while also providing clearer deterrents and addressing a gap where such thefts were previously prosecuted under general theft statutes.

Potential points of contention

  • Proportionality concerns: Critics may argue that creating a separate offense for package theft—rather than prosecuting under existing larceny laws—represents potential overreach or unnecessary criminalization when existing statutes could apply.
  • Enforcement challenges: Questions about whether police resources should be allocated to investigating package thefts versus more serious crimes, and whether increased penalties will meaningfully deter the crime.
  • Definition and scope: Unclear whether the bill covers all types of packages, mail, and deliveries uniformly, or if distinctions based on value, sender type, or delivery method create legal ambiguities during prosecution.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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