US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US Federal Senate Bill SB155

Introduced
1/21/25  

Caption

Mandating Advisable and Informed Locations and Solutions Act or the MAILS ActThis bill requires the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to (1) establish a formal process for a local government official to request a new post office, and (2) modify how it communicates with local officials and the public about certain topics.Specifically, USPS must modify existing regulations with respect to temporary relocations of postal retail services for holidays, special events, overflow business, and commemorative events. USPS may not implement any such temporary relocation for more than two days unless it first collects and considers community input. USPS must also provide specified notifications to local officials and the public, periodic updates to local officials, and a public presentation about such a relocation.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would require the USPS to formalize the process through which local officials can request new post offices within their jurisdictions. Additionally, it mandates that the USPS cannot initiate temporary relocations lasting more than two days without first considering community feedback. This provision is expected to ensure that local voices are heard, and that the impact of any proposed relocation on community access to postal services is duly considered before implementation.

Summary

SB155, also known as the MAILS Act (Mandating Advisable and Informed Locations and Solutions Act), seeks to enhance the communication process between the United States Postal Service (USPS) and local communities regarding the relocation and establishment of postal facilities. The bill emphasizes the importance of community involvement in decisions that affect local postal services, particularly concerning temporary relocations. The proposed legislation mandates a set of procedures that local government officials must follow to request new post offices and ensures that community input is collected before any significant changes are made.

Contention

There may be points of contention surrounding the definitions and scalability of community input as outlined in the bill. Stakeholders might debate the adequacy of communication requirements and whether the timelines for providing updates to local officials and the community are sufficient. Furthermore, the specifics of how the USPS will keep the community informed about temporary relocations—including the nature and extent of community engagement—could also lead to discussions about compliance and effectiveness upon its enforcement.

Congress_id

119-S-155

Policy_area

Government Operations and Politics

Introduced_date

2025-01-21

Companion Bills

US HB765

Identical bill Mandating Advisable and Informed Locations and Solutions Act or the MAILS ActThis bill requires the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to (1) establish a formal process for a local government official to request a new post office, and (2) modify how it communicates with local officials and the public about certain topics.Specifically, USPS must modify existing regulations with respect to temporary relocations of postal retail services for holidays, special events, overflow business, and commemorative events. USPS may not implement any such temporary relocation for more than two days unless it first collects and considers community input. USPS must also provide specified notifications to local officials and the public, periodic updates to local officials, and a public presentation about such a relocation.

Previously Filed As

US HB765

Mandating Advisable and Informed Locations and Solutions Act or the MAILS ActThis bill requires the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to (1) establish a formal process for a local government official to request a new post office, and (2) modify how it communicates with local officials and the public about certain topics.Specifically, USPS must modify existing regulations with respect to temporary relocations of postal retail services for holidays, special events, overflow business, and commemorative events. USPS may not implement any such temporary relocation for more than two days unless it first collects and considers community input. USPS must also provide specified notifications to local officials and the public, periodic updates to local officials, and a public presentation about such a relocation.

US HB3958

To require the United States Postal Service to notify postal customers and relevant officials when operations are temporarily suspended at a post office, and for other purposes.

US HB287

Mobile Post Office Relief ActThis bill requires the U.S. Postal Service, under specified circumstances, to provide certain postal services by way of a vehicle or mobile facility when an existing postal retail facility is temporarily not providing such services. 

US H5300

Considers election officials and poll workers "public officials" for purposes of the prohibition on making threats to public officials.

US S0729

Considers election officials and poll workers "public officials" for purposes of the prohibition on making threats to public officials.

US SB482

Roster of public officials: local government.

US HF1930

Reprisals for refusing to communicate with public or local officials prohibited.

US SF2412

Charter school boards of directors and charter school chief administrators requirements modifications, local officials and charter school officials filing statements of economic interest requirement, and charter school officials inclusion in the public official gift ban provision

US HB2111

In abortion, further providing for publicly owned facilities, public officials and public funds.

US HB1604

Requiring suitable public facilities such as schools and town halls be made available as polling places upon request by local election officials.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.