HOUSTON – Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is making it a felony to be a porch pirate.
The governor signed HB 37, which redefines criminal penalties for mail theft in Texas. The law will go into effect on September 1.
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According to the law, mail theft is a misdemeanor if mail is stolen from fewer than 10 people with a fine of $4,000, but becomes a felony if more than 10 people were victims of the thefts. Jail time ranges from 180 days to 10 years in prison with the option of a fine of up to $10,000.
Additional penalties could be levied if identifying information was included in the stolen mail or the person targeted were elderly or disabled.