Us Code § 5542 - Regulations for safe handling of mail matter

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 5542 — Regulations for safe handling of mail matter, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 5542. Regulations for safe handling of mail matter

(a) In general

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.

(b) Civil or criminal liability

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.

(c) Definition

As used in this section, the term "handle" includes but is not limited to collecting, isolating, testing, opening, disposing, and destroying.

(d) Effective date

This section shall apply with respect to fiscal year 2004 and each succeeding fiscal year.

(Pub. L. 108–447, div. G, title I, §108, Dec. 8, 2004, 118 Stat. 3177.)


Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was formerly classified to section 117j–1 of this title prior to editorial reclassification and renumbering as this section.

Section is from the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2005, which is div. G of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2005.

About This Section

2 U.S.C. § 5542 is part of Title 2 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 2 U.S.C. § 5542. 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

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Sources

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 5542

What does United States Code § 5542 cover?

Section 5542 ("Regulations for safe handling of mail matter") 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 § 5542?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 5542" (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 § 5542 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.