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
The enactment of HB 765 would significantly influence how the USPS engages with local communities. By establishing clear communication protocols, including required notifications to local officials and public presentations before any temporary relocations, the bill seeks to foster more transparent interactions. This measure is expected to empower local governments by allowing them a voice in postal service decisions that directly affect their constituents, thereby promoting a more collaborative approach between the USPS and local agencies.
Summary
House Bill 765, referred to as the MAILS Act, aims to enhance communication between the United States Postal Service (USPS) and local communities concerning the establishment and relocation of postal service facilities. The bill mandates the USPS to create a formal request process for local government officials seeking new post office locations within their jurisdictions. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of community input before any temporary relocations occur, ensuring that local stakeholders can express their opinions and concerns.
Contention
While the bill is predominantly aimed at improving communication and responsiveness, there have been points of contention regarding the level of administrative burden such requirements may impose on the USPS. Some stakeholders argue that while input from local communities is essential, the additional steps mandated by the bill could slow down the event-driven relocations that are often necessary for USPS operations during peak periods or emergencies. Thus, balancing operational efficiency with community engagement remains a critical consideration as the bill progresses.
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.
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.
To amend section 207 of title 18, United States Code, to prohibit certain former Federal officials from investing in or serving in a managerial role in an investment fund in which a foreign principal owns shares within a certain time period if such investment or managerial role is based on conversations between such former officials and such foreign principal while such former official was employed by the Federal Government, and for other purposes.
NIST Wildland Fire Communications and Information Dissemination Act This bill requires research on public safety communication coordination standards related to wildland firefighting. The Public Safety and Communications Research Division of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) must carry out research on such standards among wildland firefighters, fire management response officials, and specified federal agencies responsible for coordinating and mobilizing for wildland fire and other incidents. The research must also focus on improving and integrating existing communications systems to allow for secure, real-time transmission of data, alerts, and advisories to fire management officials and wildland firefighters. In carrying out the research, the division must (1) conduct live and virtual field tests of equipment, software, and other technologies; and (2) consult with NIST's Fire Research Division and communication technology manufacturers. Informed by the research, NIST must publish recommendations for specified federal agencies to improve public safety communication coordination standards among wildland first responders and fire management officials. In addition, NIST must advise the Office of Management and Budget and the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy concerning the agencies' implementation of the recommendations. Within one year of the publication of NIST's recommendations, the Government Accountability Office must report on the extent to which the agencies have implemented the recommendations.
Health Care Prices Revealed and Information to Consumers Explained Transparency Act or the Health Care PRICE Transparency Act This bill provides statutory authority for requirements for hospitals and health insurance plans to disclose certain information about the costs for items and services. Specifically, hospitals must publish in their list of standard charges certain rates negotiated with insurers, discounts for cash payments, and billing codes. Further, hospitals generally must publish the standard charges for the services provided by the hospital that may be scheduled in advance. Additionally, insurance plans must publish the in-network and out-of-network charges for covered items and services and the negotiated prices for covered prescription drugs. Plans must provide a tool for consumers to search for this cost information. Consumers also may request additional information about the costs of specific items or services under their plans.