H.R. 8491 — Postal Alert and Weather Preparedness Act

This section directs the Postmaster General, not later than one year after enactment, to conduct a feasibility study on a program using the U.S. Postal Service's Informed Delivery platform (i.e., a service providing digital previews of incoming mail to enrolled customers) to send electronic notifications to customers regarding weather-related mail delivery issues—including delays from inclement weather or natural disasters, post office closures or limited operations, and clearing walkways of snow, sleet, ice, or debris—and to submit a report on the study to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. The study must evaluate (1) methods to expand customer enrollment in Informed Delivery and (2) notification delivery methods, criteria, content, and recipients (limited to customer name, mailing address, email, or phone); authorizes Postal Service implementation of the program after report submission; and permits implementation notwithstanding the Privacy Act of 1974.