(NASHVILLE) Under new legislation filed Thursday (1/30/2020) by State Senator Dawn White (R-Murfreesboro), those who steal packages left in mailboxes or on doorsteps could face jail time. White says the legislation aims to stop 'porch pirates' by strengthening penalties for the theft of mail from a person's mailbox or porch.
"The increasing popularity of online shopping has provided criminals with ample opportunity for theft of packages," said Senator White. "Tennesseans should have protection against porch pirates. This legislation seeks to counteract the rising number of reports surrounding package theft by cracking down on this crime."
According to recent data from national research firm C+R Research, it is estimated that 36% of Americans who shop online have had a package stolen at least one time.
Mail theft is currently charged under existing theft statutes, which applies penalties based on the value of the item stolen. Senate Bill 2062 would add a new section to the Tennessee code that puts in place specific penalties for theft of mail which includes packages, bags, etc. The first offense would continue to be punished based on the value of the stolen item. However, the legislation stipulates that the second or subsequent offense of mail theft must at least be charged as a Class D felony, which is punishable by no more than 12 years in prison and up to a $5,000 fine.
"The safety of residential areas is imperative, and this legislation is important to keeping our neighborhoods free of crime. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate and House to pass this legislation to protect our communities," added White.
This legislation will be sponsored in the House by Rep. Micah Van Huss (R-Jonesborough). In the Senate, the bill has been assigned to be heard first in the Commerce and Labor Committee.