§3703 Postal Service Program for State Governments

Summary

The Postal Service can create a program to make agreements with State, local, or tribal agencies to give the public property or nonpostal services for non-commercial purposes, if certain rules are met. The services must add value for the public (for example, lower cost, better quality, or easier access). They must not hurt postal services, such as by increasing postal costs, reducing efficiency, or unreasonably limiting retail access like customer wait time or parking. Each agreement must reimburse the Postal Service for at least 100 percent of the costs tied to those services every year. Agreements the Postal Service and the Postal Regulatory Commission agree are substantially similar can be reviewed together for revenue and costs. Within 90 days after a service starts, the Postal Service must put the agreement and a business plan on its website that explains the service, how it helps the public, and reimbursement terms. The program needs approval by a recorded vote of the Postal Service Governors, with a majority of Governors then in office voting yes and the vote posted on the Postal Service website. The Postal Service does not have to disclose information covered by section 410(c) or information exempt under section 552(b) of title 5.