BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 1747

By: Minjarez

Criminal Jurisprudence

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Concerned observers contend that the current penalties for conduct involving mail theft do not serve as enough hindrance to prevent repeat offenses. H.B. 1747 seeks to address this issue by creating the offense of mail theft and establishing penalties for the offense depending on the number of pieces of mail appropriated.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill expressly does one or more of the following: creates a criminal offense, increases the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or changes the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 1747 amends the Penal Code to create the offense of mail theft for a person who, without the effective consent of the applicable addressee and with the intent to deprive that addressee of the mail, appropriates pieces of mail that, in the aggregate, are addressed to at least three persons other than the actor. The bill establishes penalties for the offense ranging from a state jail felony to a second degree felony depending on the number of pieces of mail appropriated.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2017.