Criminal Law - Taking and Breaking Open Letters - Penalty

HB 782 amends Maryland's criminal law to increase the penalty for illegally opening another person's mail. The bill raises the fine for violating this prohibition from $15 to $500 while keeping the maximum jail term at six days. It directly affects individuals who take or break open letters addressed to others without permission, including mail carriers or others accessing private correspondence. The key change is the substantial fine increase, making the penalty more severe for this specific violation. The amendment becomes effective October 1, 2026.