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Bill

LB 785

Prohibit conduct involving mail receptacle keys and locks with the intent to defraud or deprive another of property

109th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Bob Hallstrom

Nebraska bill criminalizes unauthorized possession and use of mail receptacle keys/locks when intended to defraud or steal property from mail owners.

Notice of hearing for February 11, 2026
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Bill Summary · LB 785

Legislative bill overview

LB 785 creates a new criminal offense in Nebraska that specifically prohibits unauthorized possession, use, or manipulation of mail receptacle keys and locks when done with intent to defraud or deprive someone of property. The bill targets mail theft and mail-related fraud by making it illegal to access others' mailboxes without authorization for fraudulent purposes.

Why is this important

Mail theft is a common vector for identity theft, financial fraud, and package theft that directly affects residents' security and financial wellbeing. By creating a specific statutory offense focused on mailbox access, the bill provides law enforcement with a clearer legal tool to prosecute mail-related crimes that might otherwise be charged under more general theft or fraud statutes.

Potential points of contention

  • Definitional clarity: The bill may need clarification on what constitutes "intent to defraud or deprive"—whether merely possessing a mailbox key without using it triggers liability, or if actual fraudulent use is required
  • Overlap with existing law: Questions about how this relates to existing mail theft, fraud, and burglary statutes, and whether it creates redundancy or fills a genuine prosecutorial gap
  • Legitimate access scenarios: Potential ambiguity around authorized key possession by property managers, postal workers, family members, or others with legitimate reasons to access shared mailboxes

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

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