United States Postal Service Shipping Equity Act
- house
- senate
- president
Last progress April 24, 2025 (7 months ago)
Introduced on April 24, 2025 by Daniel Milton Newhouse
Sponsors (9)
House Votes
Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Senate Votes
Presidential Signature
AI Summary
This bill would let the U.S. Postal Service ship alcohol from licensed businesses to adult customers. Deliveries must follow the same rules private carriers follow in your state. The package must be handed directly to the addressee or an authorized adult at a postal facility, and the person must show a government photo ID proving they are 21 or older. Shipments are for personal use only, not resale. Only licensed alcohol businesses (like wineries, breweries, distilleries, wholesalers, distributors, importers, and retailers) that register and certify compliance can use this service, and USPS may require prepayment of state alcohol taxes.
State, local, and Tribal alcohol laws still apply. This bill does not override them. If USPS breaks those laws, those governments can sue USPS in federal court. USPS can be held liable like a private business, but not for punitive damages or interest before judgment. The changes start when USPS issues its rules or two years after the law is enacted, whichever comes first.
Key points
- Who is affected: Adult consumers (21+), licensed alcohol businesses, USPS, and state/local/Tribal governments.
- What changes: USPS can ship alcohol with strict ID checks and direct handoff at a postal facility; only licensed shippers can use it; state rules still control; USPS may require tax prepayment; governments can take USPS to court for violations.
- When: Effective upon USPS issuing regulations or after two years, whichever comes first.