Idaho’s U.S. Senators and Representatives have introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at ensuring access to local post offices amid challenges faced by the United States Postal Service (USPS).

The Mandating Advisable and Informed Locations and Solutions (MAILS) Act addresses reports of post office closures in Idaho communities where facilities were closed without community input. Residents and businesses in these areas face challenges accessing mail services, including essential items like medications.

The legislation emphasizes the importance of post offices in communities, especially in rural areas, and aims to ensure that USPS considers local needs when applying for new postal facilities.

The MAILS Act requires USPS to seek community input before relocating or closing a post office and encourages municipalities to recommend additional post offices based on local needs.

The bill was introduced simultaneously in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. If passed, it would change how USPS interacts with rural communities facing service reductions.