US Territories Included in Definition of 'State' for Federal Law.
This bill changes how US federal law defines the term “State,” automatically including US territories like Puerto Rico or Guam. This means residents of territories will have greater assurance that federal benefits, programs, and regulations apply to them in the same way as they do to state residents. The change aims to ensure equal treatment for territories in most Acts of Congress and federal agency decisions, unless the law explicitly states otherwise.
Key points
Automatic inclusion of US territories (e.g., Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands) in the definition of the term 'State' in federal law.
Most new and existing Acts of Congress and federal agency regulations will now default to including territories.
This change increases equality of access for territory residents to federal programs, funding, and rights, unless explicitly excluded by statute.
Expired
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