Overview
Title
To amend title 18, United States Code, to extend to matter left for collection by private or commercial interstate carriers the same protections as matter carried throughout the country as interstate or foreign commerce.
ELI5 AI
The "Porch Pirates Act of 2024" is a plan to make a new rule that protects packages left outside people's houses, just like the ones moving through mail systems, so they don't get stolen.
Summary AI
H. R. 9227, known as the "Porch Pirates Act of 2024," aims to modify title 18 of the United States Code to give the same protections to items left for collection by private or commercial interstate carriers as those items already in interstate or foreign commerce. This bill was introduced in the House of Representatives by Mr. Phillips and other co-sponsors and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. It stresses Congress's authority to protect such items from obstruction, aligning with measures to guard against theft and loss during transport.
Published
Keywords AI
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Bill Statistics
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AnalysisAI
General Summary
The proposed legislation, titled the "Porch Pirates Act of 2024," seeks to amend Title 18 of the United States Code to provide equal protection to packages left for collection by private or commercial interstate carriers, similar to those protections already in place for items transported through interstate or foreign commerce. The bill is intended to address growing concerns about the theft of delivered packages, often referred to as "porch piracy."
Significant Issues
Several issues have been identified in various sections of the bill text, which may impact its clarity and effectiveness if enacted:
- Ambiguity and Complexity:
In Section 2, the phrase "extend to matters left for collection by private or commercial interstate carriers" lacks clear definition and context. This could result in uncertainties regarding what precisely the bill covers, potentially complicating enforcement and interpretation by legal authorities.
Lack of Detail:
Section 3 indicates amendments to an existing law (Section 659 of Title 18), adding a new paragraph meant to enhance protections for items awaiting pickup by carriers. However, the lack of detailed information on the new paragraph's content makes it difficult to assess the potential impact or necessity of these changes.
Title Misleadingness:
- The short title, "Porch Pirates Act of 2024," may not immediately convey the full scope of the bill to the public. Without an explicit definition or context, it may be perceived as a narrow initiative focused solely on theft from residential doorsteps, rather than a broader attempt to protect commerce.
Broad Public Impact
This bill, by extending enhanced legal protections to packages handled by private and commercial carriers, directly addresses the societal issue of package theft—a crime that has increased with the rise of e-commerce. If effectively enforced and broadly understood, the bill could potentially deter theft and provide recourse for victims of porch piracy.
Impact on Stakeholders
Consumers: For individuals, particularly those who frequently purchase goods online for home delivery, this bill could provide a greater sense of security and a clearer path for legal recourse in cases of theft. However, the ambiguities in the language might leave some consumers uncertain about the bill’s reach and protections.
Private and Commercial Carriers: Carriers might face new operational requirements or liabilities if the bill necessitates changes to how they manage or report thefts, adding potentially significant logistical or legal challenges.
Law Enforcement and the Judiciary: Agencies and courts would need to interpret and enforce these new protections, which might require additional resources or training to prepare for the nuanced legal challenges posed by the bill's ambiguities.
Legal and Commerce Sector: Legal professionals might find new opportunities or challenges in navigating these expanded protections, while businesses engaged in shipping could potentially see increased costs related to securing or insuring transported goods.
In summary, while the bill aims to curb a growing nuisance to consumers and enhance the security of interstate commerce, the lack of specificity and clarity may hinder effective implementation and understanding, thereby affecting how stakeholders perceive and respond to the legislative changes.
Issues
Ambiguous language in Section 2: The phrase 'extend to matters left for collection by private or commercial interstate carriers' is unclear, which might lead to legal ambiguities regarding the bill's scope and application. This lack of clarity is significant for both legal interpretation and enforcement.
Complex language and sentence structure in Section 2: The language used is complex, which could hinder comprehension by the general public and possibly affect engagement with the legislative process.
Insufficient specificity and potential overlap in Section 2: The lack of specificity regarding the protections to be extended and the potential overlap with existing regulations could lead to legal challenges or redundancies that may impact regulatory frameworks.
Inadequate information in Section 3 about amendments: The section mentions amendments to Section 659 of title 18 but does not provide sufficient details on the new content, making it difficult to assess the amendments' legal, ethical, or practical implications, potentially leaving loopholes or blind spots in legislative scrutiny.
Lack of context in Section 1: The short title 'Porch Pirates Act of 2024' may be misleading or confusing for readers without additional context or definition within the Act, which could affect public understanding and perception of the bill.
Sections
Sections are presented as they are annotated in the original legislative text. Any missing headers, numbers, or non-consecutive order is due to the original text.
1. Short title Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The first section of the act specifies that it will be known as the "Porch Pirates Act of 2024."
2. Sense of congress Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
Congress believes it has the power to give the same protections to items sent by private or commercial carriers as those sent through interstate or international trade.
3. Private or commercial interstate carrier protections Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The bill proposes an amendment to Section 659 of Title 18 of the U.S. Code, altering the language in the fourth paragraph to improve clarity and adding a new paragraph immediately after it. This change aims to enhance protections against interference with items waiting for pickup by private or commercial carriers.