Criminal Law - Taking and Breaking Open Letters - Penalty

HB 291 amends Maryland's criminal law to increase the fine for illegally opening someone else's mail. It raises the penalty from $15 to $500 for violating the existing prohibition against taking or breaking open a letter addressed to another person without permission. This change directly affects anyone who opens another person's mail without authorization, including postal workers, neighbors, or family members. The bill updates the fine amount while maintaining the offense as a misdemeanor punishable by up to six days in jail. The law takes effect October 1, 2025.