SENATE BILL REPORT

SJM 8000

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As of February 20, 2019

Brief Description: Urging Congress to protect United States mail service.

Sponsors: Senators Hasegawa, Hunt and Kuderer.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: State Government, Tribal Relations & Elections: 2/22/19.

Brief Summary of Joint Memorial

  • Requests that Congress readopt the six-day mail standard for all Washington State addressees.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT, TRIBAL RELATIONS & ELECTIONS

Staff: Samuel Brown (786-7470)

Background: Since 1775, the federal government has provided postal services in the United States. By 1896, the Post Office Department, the predecessor of the United States Postal Service (USPS), was making deliveries to certain rural and urban homes six days per week. In some cities, delivery occurred more than once per day until 1950. Congress has the authority to legislate how many days of the week USPS is to deliver mail and also may authorize USPS to determine its delivery schedule.

In 2013, USPS announced and implemented a plan to change its delivery schedule to deliver mail Monday through Friday and packages Monday through Saturday for all addresses. Legislation was introduced in Congress to repeal these updated service standards in 2013 and 2015.

Summary of Joint Memorial: The Legislature requests that Congress readopt the six-day mail service standard for all Washington State addresses.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.