Us Code § 901 - Authority to prescribe rules for conduct and penalties for violations

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 901 — Authority to prescribe rules for conduct and penalties for violations, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 901. Authority to prescribe rules for conduct and penalties for violations

(a)(1) The Secretary shall prescribe regulations to provide for the maintenance of law and order and the protection of persons and property on Department property.

(2) In this chapter, the term "Department property" means land and buildings that are under the jurisdiction of the Department and are not under control of the Administrator of General Services.

(b) Regulations under subsection (a) shall include—

(1) rules for conduct on Department property; and

(2) the penalties, within the limits specified in subsection (c), for violations of such rules.


(c) Whoever violates any rule prescribed by regulation under subsection (b)(1) shall be fined in accordance with title 18 or imprisoned not more than six months, or both. The Secretary may prescribe by regulation a maximum fine less than that which would otherwise apply under the preceding sentence or a maximum term of imprisonment of a shorter period than that which would otherwise apply under the preceding sentence, or both. Any such regulation shall apply notwithstanding any provision of title 18 or any other law to the contrary.

(d) The rules prescribed under subsection (a), together with the penalties for violations of such rules, shall be posted conspicuously on property to which they apply.

(e) The Secretary shall consult with the Attorney General before prescribing regulations under this section.

(f)(1) The Secretary may not prohibit the use of a covered service dog in any facility or on any property of the Department or in any facility or on any property that receives funding from the Secretary.

(2) For purposes of this subsection, a covered service dog is a service dog that has been trained by an entity that is accredited by an appropriate accrediting body that evaluates and accredits organizations which train guide or service dogs.

(Added Pub. L. 102–83, §2(a), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 397; amended Pub. L. 112–154, title I, §109, Aug. 6, 2012, 126 Stat. 1174.)


Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

Prior section 901 was renumbered section 2301 of this title.

Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in section 218(a) of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102–83, §2(a).

Amendments

2012—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 112–154 added subsec. (f).

About This Section

38 U.S.C. § 901 is part of Title 38 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 38 U.S.C. § 901. 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 § 901

What does United States Code § 901 cover?

Section 901 ("Authority to prescribe rules for conduct and penalties for violations") 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 § 901?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 901" (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 § 901 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.