Porch Pirates Act of 2025
- Sponsor
- Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5]
- Committees
- Judiciary Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Dec 23, 2025
Bottom line
The 'Porch Pirates Act of 2025' extends federal criminal jurisdiction to cover the theft of packages delivered by private interstate carriers, aiming to combat the growing problem of 'porch piracy'.
What it actually does
This bill amends Title 18, United States Code, to expand federal protections against theft and embezzlement to packages delivered by private or commercial interstate carriers. Specifically, it criminalizes the unlawful taking of a package after it has been delivered but before the addressee or their agent has taken physical possession, thereby federalizing the crime of 'porch piracy' when it involves interstate commerce.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that this bill directly addresses the pervasive issue of package theft, which results in significant financial losses for consumers and businesses nationwide. They contend that federalizing this crime provides a more robust legal framework and enforcement mechanism, particularly for organized theft rings or incidents involving goods transported across state lines, offering a stronger deterrent and greater justice for victims.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that package theft is primarily a local crime that is already adequately covered by state and local laws, and federalizing it could lead to an unnecessary expansion of federal jurisdiction. They may express concerns that this could overburden federal law enforcement resources, diverting them from more serious federal crimes, and question the efficiency of federal agencies handling what are often minor, localized incidents.
The bill is exceptionally short and clearly written, making it very accessible for any reader to quickly understand its core purpose and provisions.
Section 3(a) of the bill, amending Section 659 of title 18, United States Code
Extending Federal Protections to Delivered Packages
This provision expands an existing federal law (18 U.S.C. 659) that prohibits the embezzlement or theft of goods moving in interstate or foreign commerce. It specifically adds language to include packages or articles that have been delivered by a private or commercial interstate carrier but have not yet been physically taken possession of by the addressee or their agent. This means that stealing a package from a porch, for instance, would now fall under federal jurisdiction if the package was transported by an interstate carrier.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision directly addresses the widespread problem of 'porch piracy' by providing federal authorities with the tools to prosecute these crimes, especially when they involve organized rings or cross-state lines, which local law enforcement may struggle to handle effectively. It offers a clear deterrent and a mechanism for justice for victims.
Critics contend
Critics might contend that this provision represents an unnecessary federalization of a crime that is already adequately covered by state and local theft laws. They may argue that it could strain federal resources by diverting them to offenses that are typically minor in scale compared to other federal crimes, and that local police are better equipped to respond to and investigate such incidents.
Tradeoffs
The bill balances the desire for stronger enforcement against package theft with concerns about federal overreach and the potential for federal resources to be stretched thin by local crimes. It also navigates the tension between state and federal jurisdiction over criminal matters.