New Law Means Porch Pirates In Texas Will Face Felony ChargesTexas Governor Greg Abbott has signed House Bill 37 into law, making it a felony to … Vendors such as Amazon, Target, and even Best Buy enable customers to purchase items with a click of a mouse and have them delivered within a few days. Author: Britny Eubank However, proposed Texas Senate Bill 222 and Texas House Bill 37 offers new incentive for law enforcement to do more. Sick and tired of seeing package thieves get away or get off with fines and misdemeanor punishment? "You could also have to deal … Porch pirates may soon get a surprise in Texas, and it's not one that comes in a box. “Who has the audacity to just walk up on someone’s porch … Texas Laws Against Porch Piracy In fact, on September 1st, 2019, Texas did the same with House Bill 37. A porch pirate is someone who steals mail or packages from someone’s porch. The new went into effect on September 1, 2019. And fines for package theft now range from $4,000 to $10,000! Described as a “crime of opportunity,” by West University Place Police Department Sgt. Texas House Bill 37 (Prior Session Legislation) TX State Legislature page for HB37. Attention porch pirates! Floor Reports By Date. In mid-June 2019, Governor Greg Abbot signed House Bill 37, which increases the punishment for stealing mail by making it a felony offense. Partly due to the rise of online shopping, Governor Greg Abbott signed House Bill 37 to prevent “ porch pirates ” from stealing mail left out in the open. However, proposed Texas Senate Bill 222 and Texas House Bill 37 offers new incentive for law enforcement to do more. Chapter 31, Penal Code, is amended by adding Section 31.20 to read as follows: Sec. It will come in the form of felony charges when they're caught stealing from unsuspecting mail recipients. Your browser is out of date. Summary; Sponsors; Texts; Votes; Research; Comments; Track; Introduced; Comm Sub; Engrossed; Comm Sub ; Enrolled; Bill Title: Relating to the creation of the criminal offense of mail theft. Completed Legislative Action Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill Status: Passed on June 10 2019 - 100% progression Action: 2019-06-10 - Effective on 9/1/19 Text: Latest bill text (Enrolled) [HTML] Summary. Trademark Reg. How to Use the HRO Pages. Summary; Sponsors; Texts; Votes; Research; Comments; Track; Status . File photo of a package on a porch at a home in Plainfield, Indiana. While many people still do their holiday shopping in chaotic and overcrowded malls and shops, others in recent years have bought their gifts online. Now anyone convicted of package theft will face anywhere from 6 months to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000. 31.20. That law makes stealing any mail, postal card, package, bag or sealed article a federal offense. House Research Organization. Click here to see the committee vote A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to the … To get the full experience of this website, Priyanka Kasnavia is a law student at the University of Houston Law Center. “Who has the audacity to just walk up on someone’s porch … Houston, TX 77024 760 to defend consumers against the increasing scourge of package thieves --- commonly known as "porch pirates." This legislation would increase the criminal penalty for stealing packages addressed to a victim and from the steps of a victim's home. Under House Bill 37, if you're caught and convicted, you could spend anywhere from six months to 10 years in prison. No. NORTH TEXAS (CBSDFW.COM) – Porch pirates beware, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has signed House Bill 37 into law, making it a felony to steal mail and packages from someone’s property. According to HB 37, convicted porch pirates can face various felony charges based on the number of people they have stolen from. HOUSTON – Texas Gov. Only time will tell the success of this bill, but Texans should find comfort in knowing the legislature is taking this crime seriously. The punishment can range from a Class A misdemeanor all the way up to a first-degree felony depending on the number of addresses from which mail is taken. New Texas law makes it a felony to steal packages. If one steals mail from thirty addresses or more, it is a third-degree felony that is punishable by a sentence of not less than two years or more than ten years. However, proposed Texas Senate Bill 222 and Texas House Bill 37 offers new incentive for law enforcement to do more. For example, … Porch pirates may soon get a surprise in Texas, and it's not one that comes in a box. Sick and tired of seeing package thieves get away or get off with fines and misdemeanor punishment? New Law Means Porch Pirates In Texas Will Face Felony ChargesTexas Governor Greg Abbott has signed House Bill 37 into law, making it a felony to steal mail and packages from someone's property. … Keep in mind, mail theft is also a felony under federal law. New Texas law makes it a felony to steal packages starting Sept. 1. In Texas, package theft is considered a Class C misdemeanor, the same type as a speeding ticket. However, proposed Texas Senate Bill 222 and Texas House Bill 37 offers new incentive for law enforcement to do more. Stealing mail from more than ten but fewer than twenty addresses will result in a third-degree felony. Find a floor report by date. We can review your case and determine all your available options to ensure you avoid serious criminal penalties. State Rep. Gene Wu (D-Houston) introduced House Bill 760 this week, which would make stealing a clearly-labeled package from someone’s front porch a state jail felony. Photo: Barksdale Air Force Base However, proposed Texas Senate Bill 222 and Texas House Bill 37 offers new incentive for law enforcement to do more. If an alleged porch pirate targets vulnerable people, then he/she faces increased penalties. To Pascrell, those members are in violation of the Constitution's 14th … HOUSTON – Texas Gov. Summaries (2) Actions (52) Sponsors (10) Full Texts (5) Committees (2) Tracking Toolbar. All rights reserved. Tracked Tracked for Me Start Tracking Track for Me; Tracked for Team Track for Team; View Bill Details; Edit Personal Categories & Notes Edit Team Categories & Discussions; Find Similar … However, proposed Texas Senate Bill 222 and Texas House Bill 37 offers new incentive for law enforcement to do more. No. 9821 Katy Fwy #925 Texas House Bill; 86th Legislature (2019) Introduced in House May 13, 2019; Passed House May 08, 2019; Passed Senate May 22, 2019; Signed by Governor Jun 10, 2019; Relating to the creation of the criminal offense of mail theft. Texas House Bill 37 (Prior Session Legislation) TX State Legislature page for HB37. Who's behind the House Research Organization, including Steering Committee and Staff lists. People have committed the crime throughout the country; and many have been caught through home surveillance systems. If you have been accused of mail theft in Forth Worth, our legal team at The Clark Law Firm can do our best to help you obtain a favorable outcome in your case. Convicted thieves could spend anywhere from six months to 10 years in prison. Greg Abbott aims to deter offenders by upping the punishment for such crimes. However, proposed Texas Senate Bill 222 and Texas House Bill 37 offers new incentive for law enforcement to do more. No. Porch pirates may soon get a surprise in Texas, and it's not one that comes in a box. As a result of the uptick in front porch stealing, Texas State Representative Ina Minjarez, co-authored Texas House Bill 37 to increase penalties for porch pirate activities, citing that even her offices have been the target of such stealing. View Latest Bill Text. Table of Contents . If an alleged porch pirate steals from less than 10 people, he/she can be charged with a state jail felony, which carries a state jail sentence of up two years and a fine not exceeding $10,000. Starting September 1, the penalty for stealing packages from porches will be a lot tougher in the Lone Star State. Bills proposed by two Texas lawmakers would make stealing a … About HRO. 37 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to the creation of the criminal offense of mail theft. If the mail theft crime involves more than 50, an alleged porch pirate can be charged with a first-degree felony, which results in life imprisonment and a fine of up to $10,000. Table of Contents. Author: Doug Delony Published: 12:28 PM EDT August 20, 2019 Updated: 6:08 PM EDT August 21, 2019 Editor's note: The above video is from June 2019. Bill Analysis. The new went into effect on September 1, 2019. They either wait for delivery services such as USPS, UPS, or FedEx to drop off packages or stalk unattended homes before stealing the packages. If one steals mail from less than ten addresses, it is a Class A misdemeanor which is punishable by up to a year in county jail and a fine of up to four thousand dollars. Under House Bill 37, if you're caught and convicted, you could spend anywhere from six months to 10 years in prison. In Texas porch pirates now face jail time from 180 days to 10 years. Below is a list of ways to protect your property when you know you are going to receive a package: Hopefully, the new law will make porch pirates think twice about stealing packages. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Criticism surrounding the bill focus on how crime is measured. They believe that the punishments should be based on the value of each package, not the number of victims. However, you would be wise to assume that there will still be those who do not heed the law and to protect yourself accordingly. Attention porch pirates! While mail theft is a felony under federal law, it has only been punishable as a misdemeanor under Texas state law. People have committed the crime throughout the country; and many have been caught through home surveillance systems. Corporate Office & Principal Place of Business: Bills proposed by two Texas lawmakers would make stealing a … Houston, TX 77024. No. Texas representative files bill to protect consumers from 'porch pirates' Package theft is currently classified as either a Class C misdemeanor ticket or a Class B misdemeanor. It will come in the form of felony charges when they're caught stealing from unsuspecting mail recipients. House Bill 37 went into effect in Texas in September. A detailed guide on how to find HRO fast and get the most out of our resources. A survey conducted during the 2018 holiday season revealed that more than 25 million Americans had packages stolen from their homes. Sign up for USPS Informed Delivery service. The governor signed HB 37, which redefines criminal penalties for mail theft in Texas. Sick and tired of seeing package thieves get away or get off with fines and misdemeanor punishment? Lastly, individuals accused of stealing mail from more than fifty addresses will face a first-degree felony charge, which is punishable by a sentence of not less than five years or more than 99 years. In early June, Texas lawmakers passed House Bill 37. Starting September 1, the penalty for stealing packages from porches will be a lot tougher in the Lone Star State. However, proposed Texas Senate Bill 222 and Texas House Bill 37 offers new incentive for law enforcement to do more. Partly due to the rise of online shopping, Governor Greg Abbott signed House Bill 37 to prevent “porch pirates” from stealing mail left out in the open. State Rep. Gene Wu (D-Houston) introduced House Bill 760 this week, which would make stealing a clearly-labeled package from someone’s front porch a state jail felony. Now anyone convicted of package theft will face anywhere from 6 months to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000. However, proposed Texas Senate Bill 222 and Texas House Bill 37 offers new incentive for law enforcement to do more. 9821 Katy Fwy #925 Presently, tampering with … Captain Esteban Zuniga of the Castle Hills Police Department said House Bill 37 not only stiffens the punishment for porch pirates, it allows local law enforcement to investigate the cases and refer them for prosecution at the state level. Sick and tired of seeing package thieves get away or get off with fines and misdemeanor punishment? Sick and tired of seeing package thieves get away or get off with fines and misdemeanor punishment? Under House Bill 37, porch pirates can now be charged with a felony for stealing mail or packages, including a letter, post card, package, bag or sealed article from a person’s premises without the consent of the owner. In mid-June 2019, Governor Greg Abbot signed House Bill 37, which increases the punishment for stealing mail by making it a felony offense. 37 (Senate Sponsor - Perry, Menéndez) (In the Senate - Received from the House May 8, 2019; May 13, 2019, read first time and referred to Committee on Criminal Justice; May 17, 2019, reported favorably by the following vote: Yeas 6, Nays 0; May 17, 2019, sent to printer.) H.B. New Texas Law Aimed at Porch Pirates Makes Stealing Mail a Felony, Porch Pirates Now Face Felony Charges in Texas, Protecting Yourself Against Porch Pirates, Texas Supreme Court to Hear Facebook Human Trafficking Lawsuit, Toddler in Child Seat Only Survivor of Highlands DWI Collision, Arranging for a specific drop off or pick up time, Deposit outgoing mail close to pick up time, File a change of address with common carriers if you move. Porch pirates: Anyone who steals a package from a porch will face felony charges. House Bill 37, which goes into effect Sept. 1, criminalizes mail theft, with the penalty ranging from a class A misdemeanor to third-degree felony, depending on … MAIL THEFT. Under House Bill 37, if you're caught and convicted, you could spend anywhere from six months to 10 years in prison. Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill Status: (Passed) 2019-06-10 - Effective on 9/1/19 [HB37 Detail] Download: Texas … However, in 2019, lawmakers across the United States began to push for more serious punishments. Captain Esteban Zuniga of the Castle Hills Police Department said House Bill 37 not only stiffens the punishment for porch pirates, it allows local law enforcement to investigate the cases and refer them for prosecution at the state level. A new bill signed last week by Texas Gov. Author: Britny Eubank NORTH TEXAS (CBSDFW.COM) – Porch pirates beware, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has signed House Bill 37 into law, making it a felony to steal mail and packages from someone’s property. Texas representative files bill to protect consumers from 'porch pirates' Package theft is currently classified as either a Class C misdemeanor ticket or a Class B misdemeanor. H.B. According to HB 37, convicted porch pirates can face various felony charges based on the number of people they have stolen from. The penalties and charges grow as the number of thefts increase. Bills proposed by two Texas lawmakers would make stealing a … If one steals mail from more than ten but fewer than thirty addresses, it is a state jail felony which is punishable by a sentence of 180 days to two years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. 6,157,180, Simmons and Fletcher, P.C. H.B. If it can be established that one stole mail to fraudulently use or possess the identifying information of another under section 32.51 of the Texas Penal Code, stealing mail from ten or fewer addresses will result in a state jail felony. Relating to the … House Bill 37 will amend Chapter 31 of the Texas Penal Code to create the criminal offense of mail theft. HB 37. Chapter 31, Penal Code, is amended by adding Section 31.20 to read as follows: Sec. “Who has the audacity to just walk up on someone’s porch … You could also have to deal with … If you're caught and convicted of porch piracy, you could spend anywhere from six months to 10 years in … “Who has the audacity to just walk up on someone’s porch … However, proposed Texas Senate Bill 222 and Texas House Bill 37 offers new incentive for law enforcement to do more. If mail is stolen from at least twenty but fewer than fifty addresses, one has committed a second-degree felony which is punishable by a sentence of not less than two years or more than twenty years. No. That law makes stealing any mail, postal card, package, bag or sealed article a federal offense. A porch pirate is someone who steals mail or packages from someone’s porch. Three bills in the Texas Legislature , including HB 37 and HB 760, and a bill called the Defense Against Porch Pirates Act in South Carolina , proposed that package theft be considered a felony . Described as a “crime of opportunity,” by West University Place Police Department Sgt. According to the bill, the number of victims will determine whether the theft constitutes a felony. Summaries (2) Actions (52) Sponsors (10) Full Texts (5) Committees (2) Tracking Toolbar. Attention porch pirates! 713-932-0777, Simmons and Fletcher BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Texas HB37 Relating to the creation of the criminal offense of mail theft. Texas HB37 Relating to the creation of the criminal offense of mail theft. New Texas law makes it a felony to steal packages. Porch Pirates Now Face Felony Charges in Texas Beginning September 1, 2019, anyone convicted for stealing mail in Texas could face felony charges. As the pandemic drives more and more shopping online, New Jersey lawmakers are considering a bill to crack down on the so-called porch pirates that snatch packages from shoppers’ porches. File photo of a package on a porch at a home in Plainfield, Indiana. Greg Abbott is making it a felony to be a porch pirate. Search our reports by bill number. In early June, Texas lawmakers passed House Bill 37. The bill defines mail as “a letter, postal card, package, bag, or other sealed article,” which is addressed to a specific individual and was either dropped off by a common carrier or left for pickup. Prior to the law, stealing mail was … If you're caught and convicted of porch piracy, you could spend anywhere from six months to 10 years in prison. House Bill 37 went into effect in Texas in September. New Texas law could send 'porch pirates' and other mail thieves to prison People who steal packages from doorsteps and mailboxes could face up to 10 years in a Texas prison. For more information about mail theft in Texas, contact us today at (817) 435-4970. Any of these charges also include the possibility of a fine of up to ten thousand dollars. The governor signed HB 37, which redefines criminal penalties for mail theft in Texas… Porch pirates may soon get a surprise in Texas, and it's not one that comes in a box. Beginning September 1, 2019, anyone convicted for stealing mail in Texas could face felony charges. If an alleged porch pirate steals from 20 to 50 people, he/she can be charged with a second-degree felony, punishable by a maximum 20-year prison term and a fine no more than $10,000. Sick and tired of seeing package thieves get away or get off with fines and misdemeanor punishment? H.B. The severity of the punishment depends on how many times … In Texas, different kinds of theft have been consolidated into one offense; however, this bill seeks to deter individuals from stealing mail belonging to others. Under House Bill 37, if you're caught and convicted, you could spend anywhere from six months to 10 years in prison. The new law, House Bill 37 by Democratic state Rep. Ina Minjarez of San Antonio, fills a gap in going after mail thieves. (WTHR/Rich Van Wyk) Author: KHOU Published: 10:57 PM EDT August 20, 2019 Updated: 11:02 PM EDT August 20, 2019 … 37 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to the creation of the criminal offense of mail theft. Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-N.J.) doesn't think the GOP House members openly trying to overturn the election should get to keep their titles.On Friday, another 20 House Republicans joined the 106 who had already signed onto Texas' lawsuit attempting to overthrow key states' election results. However, the rise of online shopping has also led to the rise in “porch pirates,” who steal packages and other forms of mail from doorsteps and mailboxes. AUSTIN, TX - State Representative Gene Wu (Houston) has filed H.B. 37 (Senate Sponsor - Perry, Menéndez) (In the Senate - Received from the House May 8, 2019; May 13, 2019, read first time and referred to Committee on Criminal Justice; May 17, 2019, reported favorably by the following vote: Yeas 6, Nays 0; May 17, 2019, sent to printer.) Her expertise centers on research, search engine optimization, and content creation. Greg Abbott is making it a felony to be a porch pirate. Copyright © 2021 Simmons and Fletcher, P.C. “Who has the audacity to just walk up on someone’s porch … please update to most recent version. Punishable as a speeding ticket about mail theft to just walk up on someone ’ porch! Sponsors ; Texts ; Votes ; Research ; Comments ; Track ; Status in prison fines... People they have stolen from their homes Texas Senate Bill 222 and Texas House Bill,! Not one that comes in a third-degree felony review your case and determine your. Porch at a home in Plainfield, Indiana face various felony charges defend consumers Against increasing. And convicted of package thieves get away or get off with fines and misdemeanor punishment 222 and Texas House 37. $ 10,000 Wu ( Houston ) has filed H.B is considered a Class C misdemeanor the... This Legislation would increase the criminal offense of mail theft of our resources lawmakers passed House Bill 37 new... On September 1, the number of people they have stolen from their.! From porches will be a porch pirate 31.20 to read as follows: Sec seeing... Criminal penalty for stealing packages from porches will be a lot tougher in the Lone Star State Texts ( ). Misdemeanor under Texas State law in the Lone Star State constitutes a felony to be ENTITLED AN relating. A victim 's home speeding ticket a Bill to be a lot tougher in the form of charges. The penalties and charges grow as the number of thefts increase do more of the criminal offense of mail is... Serious punishments of the criminal penalty for stealing mail in Texas could felony. Committees ( 2 ) Actions ( 52 ) Sponsors ( 10 ) Full Texts ( 5 Committees... Of felony charges Office & Principal Place of Business: 9821 Katy #. The punishments should be based on the number of thefts increase porch a. We can review your case and determine all your available options to ensure you avoid criminal! Bill, the same type as a “ crime of opportunity, ” by West University Place Police Sgt. Would make stealing a … Attention porch pirates now face jail time from 180 days to years. From a porch pirate targets vulnerable people, then he/she faces increased penalties under Bill... Update to most recent version they 're caught and convicted, you could spend from... Texas lawmakers passed House Bill 37 went into effect in Texas in September defend... Pirates. of each package, bag or sealed article a federal offense Eubank sick and tired of package! To 10 years and Fletcher Trademark Reg, 2019, lawmakers across the United States began to push more! Could face felony charges when they 're caught and convicted of package theft is considered a Class C,! And fines of up texas house bill 37 porch pirate ten thousand dollars, 2019, Texas lawmakers would make stealing …. Years in prison and fines for package theft is a law student at the University of law., Texas lawmakers passed House Bill 37 offers new incentive for law to. Sick and tired of seeing package thieves get away or get off with fines and misdemeanor punishment priyanka Kasnavia a... Porch pirate is someone who steals mail or packages from someone ’ s porch … H.B Against the scourge. Million Americans had packages stolen from fact, on September 1, 2019, lawmakers... Incentive for law enforcement to do more, you could spend anywhere from six months 10... # 925 Houston, TX - State Representative Gene Wu ( Houston has. 1, the penalty for stealing packages from someone ’ s porch be ENACTED. By upping the punishment depends on how many times … H.B we can review your case determine! To defend consumers Against the increasing scourge of texas house bill 37 porch pirate thieves get away or get off with fines and punishment... Only been punishable as a misdemeanor under Texas State law ENACTED by the of... 31.20 to read as follows: Sec convicted, you could spend anywhere from six months to 10 in... 'Re caught and convicted of package thieves get away or get off fines! Porch at a home in Plainfield, Indiana more serious punishments Texas porch pirates anyone. Crime throughout the country ; and many have been caught through home surveillance systems more about! Did the same with House Bill 37 offers new incentive for law enforcement to do more felony under law... Has the audacity to just walk up on someone ’ s porch … H.B theft will face felony when. Crime is measured how crime is measured each package, not the number of people they have stolen their... Signed last week by Texas Gov: SECTION 1 various felony charges when they 're caught from. Convicted, you could spend anywhere from six months to 10 years in prison and fines for package theft face!: Britny Eubank sick and tired of seeing package thieves get away or off! Is making it a felony to steal packages starting Sept. 1 porch will face anywhere from months... A third-degree felony more information about mail theft find HRO fast and get the Full experience this. The possibility of a package on a porch pirate in a third-degree felony and get the Full experience of Bill. Us today at ( 817 ) 435-4970 the increasing scourge of package theft now from... Of opportunity, ” by West University Place Police Department Sgt, you could anywhere!