Federal · Title 2 — The Congress

2 U.S.C. § 5542: Regulations for safe handling of mail matter

Civil

What this law says, in plain English

This statute authorizes the House Chief Administrative Officer to implement regulations for safely handling mail delivered to the House, including testing and destroying mail if needed. Actions taken under these regulations cannot create civil or criminal liability.

Read the full statutory text

Subject to the approval of the Committee on House Administration, the Chief Administrative Officer of the House of Representatives shall implement regulations under which the Chief Administrative Officer shall be authorized to handle any mail matter delivered by the United States Postal Service or any other carrier to the House of Representatives, or to any other entity with whom the Chief Administrative Officer has entered into an agreement to receive mail matter delivered to the entity, in such manner as the Chief Administrative Officer deems necessary to ensure the safety of any individuals who may come into contact with, or otherwise be exposed to, such mail matter. No action taken under the regulations implemented pursuant to this section may serve as a basis for civil or criminal liability of any individual or entity. As used in this section, the term “handle” includes but is not limited to collecting, isolating, testing, opening, disposing, and destroying. This section shall apply with respect to fiscal year 2004 and each succeeding fiscal year.

Verify at the official source: Federal legislative text

Facing this? Know exactly what happens next.

MOFRD turns this code section into your situation: the deadlines that apply to you, the forms your county uses, and the resolution paths people in your position actually take. Free for 3 days — no card required.

Start your matter free Ask Law Link about this code

This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.