MAILS Act

This bill makes the Postal Service improve how it communicates with communities when it temporarily moves retail services or when a town wants a new post office. It requires USPS to set up a clear way for local officials to request a new post office within 90 days of the law taking effect. It also tightens the rules for temporary moves of retail services for holidays, special events, overflow business, or commemorations: if a move will last more than two days, USPS must collect and consider community input first. Overall, the goal is to keep local leaders and residents informed and involved.

Key points

• Who is affected: USPS, local elected officials, and people who use nearby post offices.
• What changes:
  • Local officials get a formal process to request a new post office (USPS must create it within 90 days).
  • For any temporary move longer than two days, USPS must:
    • Gather and consider community comments.
    • Notify local officials at least 30 days before the move and offer to discuss it.
    • Give public notice at least 15 days before and hold a public presentation soon after notifying officials.
    • Send status updates to local officials every 60 days until two months after the move ends.
  • If a temporary move lasts more than 180 days, USPS must file a report explaining whether it met the communication timelines and why any extension is needed.
• When: The request process must be created within 90 days after the law starts; the communication rules apply before and during any temporary move.