Us Code § 2683 - Relinquishment of legislative jurisdiction; minimum drinking age on military installations

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 2683 — Relinquishment of legislative jurisdiction; minimum drinking age on military installations, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 2683. Relinquishment of legislative jurisdiction; minimum drinking age on military installations

(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary concerned may, whenever he considers it desirable, relinquish to a State, or to a Commonwealth, territory, or possession of the United States, all or part of the legislative jurisdiction of the United States over lands or interests under his control in that State, Commonwealth, territory, or possession. Relinquishment of legislative jurisdiction under this section may be accomplished (1) by filing with the Governor (or, if none exists, with the chief executive officer) of the State, Commonwealth, territory, or possession concerned a notice of relinquishment to take effect upon acceptance thereof, or (2) as the laws of the State, Commonwealth, territory, or possession may otherwise provide.

(b) The authority granted by subsection (a) is in addition to and not instead of that granted by any other provision of law.

(c)(1) Except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3), the Secretary concerned shall establish and enforce as the minimum drinking age on a military installation located in a State the age established by the law of that State as the State minimum drinking age.

(2)(A) In the case of a military installation located—

(i) in more than one State; or

(ii) in one State but within 50 miles of another State or Mexico or Canada,


the Secretary concerned may establish and enforce as the minimum drinking age on that military installation the lowest applicable age.

(B) In subparagraph (A), the term "lowest applicable age" means the lowest minimum drinking age established by the law—

(i) of a State in which a military installation is located; or

(ii) of a State or jurisdiction of Mexico or Canada that is within 50 miles of such military installation.


(3)(A) The commanding officer of a military installation may waive the requirement of paragraph (1) if such commanding officer determines that the exemption is justified by special circumstances.

(B) The Secretary of Defense shall define by regulations what constitute special circumstances for the purposes of this paragraph.

(4) In this subsection:

(A) The term "State" includes the District of Columbia.

(B) The term "minimum drinking age" means the minimum age or ages established for persons who may purchase, possess, or consume alcoholic beverages.

(Added Pub. L. 91–511, title VI, §613(1), Oct. 26, 1970, 84 Stat. 1226; amended Pub. L. 92–545, title VIII, §707, Oct. 25, 1972, 86 Stat. 1154; Pub. L. 93–283, §3, May 14, 1974, 88 Stat. 141; Pub. L. 99–145, title XII, §1224(a), (b)(1), (c)(1), Nov. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 728, 729; Pub. L. 99–661, div. A, title XIII, §1343(a)(18), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3993; Pub. L. 100–526, title I, §106(b)(2), Oct. 24, 1988, 102 Stat. 2625.)


Editorial Notes

Amendments

1988—Subsec. (c)(2)(B). Pub. L. 100–526, §106(b)(2)(A), substituted "the term 'lowest applicable age' " for " 'lowest age' ".

Subsec. (c)(4)(A). Pub. L. 100–526, §106(b)(2)(B)(i), substituted "The term 'State' " for " 'State' ".

Subsec. (c)(4)(B). Pub. L. 100–526, §106(b)(2)(B)(ii), substituted "The term 'minimum' " for " 'Minimum' ".

1986—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 99–661 struck out "this" before "subsection (a)".

1985—Pub. L. 99–145, §1224(c)(1), inserted "; minimum drinking age on military installations" in section catchline.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 99–145, §1224(b)(1), substituted "subsection (a)" for "section".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 99–145, §1224(a), added subsec. (c).

1974—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 93–283 substituted "Secretary concerned" for "Secretary of a military department".

1972—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 92–545 provided for relinquishment of all or part of legislative jurisdiction of the United States over lands or interests to Commonwealths, territories, or possessions of the United States.


Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1985 Amendment

Pub. L. 99–145, title XII, §1224(d), Nov. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 729, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and provisions set out as a note under section 113 of this title] shall take effect 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 8, 1985]."

About This Section

10 U.S.C. § 2683 is part of Title 10 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 10 U.S.C. § 2683. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

How to Read This Statute

Statutes are organized by title, chapter, section, and subsection. Pay attention to words like "shall," "may," "and," and "or," because they determine whether a requirement is mandatory or permissive and whether multiple conditions must all be met. Historical notes and amendments often appear at the end of a section.

Using This Page

This page is intended for research and educational use. Lawyers, students, journalists, and compliance professionals can use it as a starting point, but should always verify the current text through an official government source before relying on it for legal advice, filings, or compliance decisions.

Sources

Source: official Us Code text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 2683

What does United States Code § 2683 cover?

Section 2683 ("Relinquishment of legislative jurisdiction; minimum drinking age on military installations") is part of the United States Code, the codified statutory law of Us Code. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Us Code § 2683?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 2683" (Us Code). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Us Code law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Us Code official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Us Code attorney.

How does Us Code § 2683 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Us Code can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Us Code.