HB1773 amends the Illinois Criminal Code to create a new offense for mail and mail depository theft. It prohibits a person from taking, holding, concealing, or destroying mail addressed to another person when done with the intent to defraud or to deprive the addressee of the mail. The bill defines “mail” broadly to include letters, postal cards, packages, bags, and other sealed articles addressed to a person, and defines “person” to include individuals and business entities.
The bill sets penalties at a Class A misdemeanor for a first offense and a Class 3 felony for a second or subsequent offense. It also makes clear that the offense applies even if the mail’s intended recipient is deceased at the time of the violation, which is relevant to theft involving estates, probate matters, or deceased persons’ correspondence. In addition, the bill states that a person may still be charged and punished for any other crimes committed using the stolen mail or committed while violating this section, preserving prosecution for related fraud, identity theft, or other offenses.
Impact
HB1773 would add a new section to the Criminal Code of 2012, creating a standalone mail theft offense and expanding the state’s criminal enforcement tools against mail interception and concealment. It would not replace existing fraud or theft statutes, but would supplement them by specifically criminalizing conduct involving mail addressed to another person. The bill also amends the definitions section of the Criminal Code to include the new term and to clarify the scope of “mail” and “person” for this offense.
Sentiment
The available record shows no committee transcript, recorded vote, or other formal discussion, so there is no documented debate to indicate support or opposition. Based on the bill’s text and caption, the measure appears to be a straightforward public-safety and anti-fraud proposal aimed at addressing mail theft. The absence of recorded controversy suggests the bill was introduced as a targeted criminal law update rather than a broader policy dispute.
Contention
Because there are no transcripts or votes, no specific points of contention are documented in the available materials. Potential issues that could arise from the text itself include the breadth of the conduct covered by “take, hold, conceal, or destroy,” the intent standard required for conviction, and the decision to treat repeat offenses as felonies. Another possible area of interest is the bill’s express application to mail belonging to deceased individuals, which may be significant in estate-related cases and could affect how prosecutors handle theft of mail from homes, apartments, or mail depositories.
To Create The Criminal Offense Of Mail Theft; And To Create The Criminal Offense Of Theft Or Unauthorized Reproduction Of A Mail Receptacle Key Or Lock.