Committee hears Safe Carrier Act to broaden mail-theft enforcement

Delegate Jared Solomon told the House Judiciary Committee that HB 159 is intended to close enforcement gaps for mail-theft crimes that have evolved from lone actors to organized groups. He described categories negotiated in prior sessions: small‑scale thefts (up to 15 pieces), larger operations (16+ pieces), and possession or theft of an arrow key with intent to use it to access cluster boxes.

Steven Salton, acting chief counsel for the United States Postal Inspection Service, testified the agency has seen a rise in mail theft and robberies targeting postal carriers and their keys. Salton said the bill would ‘‘supplement and not replace or usurp federal laws’’ and would enhance collaboration with local prosecutors and law enforcement. Evan Richards of the Maryland Bankers Association told the committee stolen mail is frequently used in financial crimes such as check fraud.

Committee members asked about how the postal service investigates arrow-key thefts and whether possession alone would trigger enforcement; Salton said any reported arrow-key theft would prompt an investigation and that, depending on findings and scale, federal prosecution could follow. Sponsor and supporters urged a favorable report; no committee action was taken at the hearing.

Why it matters: Witnesses said stolen mail is used to commit identity theft and large-scale financial fraud and that arrow keys allow criminals to access multiple residences or apartment clusters. The bill’s proponents argued a state statute would provide prosecutors additional tools in cases that are not prioritized at the federal level due to thresholds for resources.