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HB 1779

LOCAL GOVERNMENT-TECH

104th Regular Session Introduced by Jay Hoffman

Act 833 elevates postal package theft to a Class C felony if taken from a home or delivery vehicle, enhancing protections for residents against porch piracy.

Referred to Rules Committee
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1779

Summary of House Bill 1779 (Act 833)

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1779, now known as Act 833, aims to amend existing laws related to theft of property in Arkansas. The primary focus of the bill is to enhance the classification of offenses concerning the theft of postal packages that are delivered to a person's residence and left within the curtilage (the area immediately surrounding a dwelling) of that residence. This legislative change seeks to address the growing concern of package theft, commonly referred to as "porch piracy."

Key Provisions

The bill modifies Arkansas Code § 5-36-103, which outlines the classifications of theft offenses. The significant changes include:

  • Class C Felony Enhancements: The theft of a postal package is classified as a Class C felony if:

    • The package is removed from the curtilage of a residential structure or from a delivery vehicle at any point during the delivery route.

  • Class D Felony Enhancements: The theft of a postal package is classified as a Class D felony if:

    • The value of the package is $1,000 or less.

These classifications align with other types of property theft, ensuring that theft of postal packages is treated with appropriate severity.

Affected Parties

The bill impacts several groups, including:
- Residents: Individuals receiving packages at their homes will benefit from increased protections against theft.
- Law Enforcement: Police and judicial systems will have clearer guidelines for prosecuting theft cases involving postal packages.
- Delivery Services: Companies involved in package delivery may see a reduction in theft-related incidents, potentially improving service reliability.

Legislative Timeline

  • Introduced: March 13, 2025
  • Senate Actions: The bill underwent several readings and amendments in the Senate, including the adoption of Amendment #1, which added a cosponsor.
  • Final Passage: The bill was passed by the Senate on April 10, 2025, and subsequently returned to the House.
  • Enactment: HB 1779 was officially enacted as Act 833 on April 17, 2025.

Conclusion

Act 833 represents a significant step in enhancing the legal framework surrounding theft of postal packages in Arkansas. By elevating the classification of such thefts, the bill aims to deter potential offenders and provide greater security for residents receiving deliveries at home.

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

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