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Bill

A 3405

Establishes the crime of package theft in the fourth, third, second and first degrees

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Clyde Vanel

Bill A 3405 categorizes package theft into four degrees, imposing stricter penalties to deter thieves and enhance protections for consumers and law enforcement.

REFERRED TO CODES
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 3405

Summary of Bill A 3405

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: A 3405
  • Title: Establishes the crime of package theft in the fourth, third, second, and first degrees
  • Status: Referred to Codes
  • Introduced: January 27, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill A 3405 aims to address the growing issue of package theft, commonly known as "porch piracy." The legislation seeks to establish a clear framework for categorizing the crime of package theft into four degrees, allowing for varying levels of penalties based on the severity and circumstances of the offense. This initiative is intended to deter potential thieves and provide law enforcement with the tools necessary to combat this crime effectively.

Key Provisions

The bill proposes the following key provisions:

  1. Establishment of Degrees of Package Theft:

    • Fourth Degree: Minor thefts involving packages valued at less than $250.
    • Third Degree: Package thefts involving items valued between $250 and $1,000.
    • Second Degree: Package thefts involving items valued between $1,000 and $5,000, or thefts involving multiple packages.
    • First Degree: Package thefts involving items valued over $5,000 or thefts that involve aggravating factors, such as prior convictions for similar offenses.

  2. Penalties:

    • Each degree of theft will carry specific penalties, which may include fines, restitution, and potential incarceration, with harsher penalties for higher degrees of theft.

  3. Law Enforcement Guidelines:

    • The bill will provide law enforcement agencies with guidelines on how to investigate and prosecute package theft cases, ensuring a standardized approach across jurisdictions.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Consumers: Individuals who receive packages at their homes will benefit from increased protections against theft.
  • Law Enforcement: Police departments will receive clearer guidelines for addressing package theft, potentially leading to more effective investigations and prosecutions.
  • Thieves: Individuals who engage in package theft will face stricter penalties, which may deter such criminal behavior.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was introduced on January 27, 2025, and has been referred to the Codes Committee for further consideration. The timeline for further legislative action, including potential amendments and voting, will depend on the committee's schedule and priorities.

Related Legislation

  • This bill is related to A 8473, a prior-session bill that may have addressed similar issues regarding theft and property crimes.

Conclusion

Bill A 3405 represents a legislative effort to combat the increasing prevalence of package theft by establishing a structured legal framework for prosecution. By categorizing the crime into degrees, the bill aims to enhance deterrence and provide law enforcement with the necessary tools to address this issue effectively.

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

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