House Finance advances mail theft bill despite competing governor's version

The Alaska House Finance Committee voted to advance a bill making mail theft a class C felony, even as a competing administration bill with a misdememer penalty has been included in an omnibus bill on the Senate side.

House Bill 77 passed the committee with no amendments. The bill classifies theft of mail or articles within mail as a class C felony. Representative Julie Calhoun, the bill's sponsor, said the bill "puts mail theft into state statute."

According to prior testimony, mail theft serves as a precursor to identity theft, particularly affecting senior citizens in Alaska. Law enforcement and victims have testified in support of the measure during earlier committee hearings.

The governor's competing bill makes mail theft a misdemeanor and includes organized retail theft provisions. Calhoun said there is a possibility the two bills could be merged. "I do not really care whose name is on it. I just want it addressed. I have been open to merging the two. I have been open to taking the best of both bills and putting them in one," Calhoun said.

She added she is not aware of merging the two. "I have had some conversations around that, but I really cannot speak to the intention, what the end result is going to be," Calhoun said.

Alaska News previously reported that the House Judiciary Committee adopted a committee substitute for HB 77 on Feb. 21, classifying mail theft as a class C felony and broadening the definition to include private carriers. The committee held a hearing on the bill on April 9, 2025.

Representative Schrag asked whether the two bills are compatible and what would happen if both pass. Calhoun said she does not think both will pass. One will pass, she said.

Representative Tomaszewski said mail theft is a problem in his district and many areas around the state. "I think this is a great bill to actually give law enforcement the tools to do something about it," he said.

Representative Bynum said the legislature should do its work and move legislation through its process. If the Senate chooses not to move the bill forward, they will pick whatever bill they like, he said. "I support this bill as it is and support us moving it through the process," Bynum said.

Representative Galvin thanked Calhoun and her staff for research showing how many Alaskans are affected by mail theft. She said the work done on the bill is important for public awareness, regardless of which version ultimately passes.

Calhoun noted key differences between the two bills. The governor's bill addresses organized retail theft, which her bill does not include. The penalty in the governor's bill is a misdemeanor, while hers is a felony. Calhoun argued that the individual portion of the governor's bill does not include as many definitions as hers. "In my opinion, my wording is a little more clear and precise than his," she said.