### Question
How is the "State" defined?


### Answer
The term **State** is defined in *50 U.S.C. § 1885* as follows -

> any State, political subdivision of a State, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, and any territory or possession of the United States, and includes any officer, public utility commission, or other body authorized to regulate an electronic communication service provider

#### Citation:
  - *50 U.S.C. § 1885*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 36-FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE SURVEILLANCE > SUBCHAPTER VII-PROTECTION OF PERSONS ASSISTING THE GOVERNMENT**

