Bill > HR3185

This bill addresses personnel records and investigations within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) by establishing new requirements for documenting and tracking employee investigations. Specifically, if a VA employee (in the competitive, excepted, or Senior Executive Service) resigns, retires, transfers, or separates from employment while under an ongoing personnel investigation, the VA must continue the investigation to completion and make a permanent notation in the employee's official personnel record within 40 days of resolving the investigation. The bill requires the VA to notify the employee in writing about any adverse findings, provide them an opportunity to respond, and give them the right to appeal the notation through the Merit Systems Protection Board or a Disciplinary Appeals Board. The investigations covered can include those conducted by the VA Inspector General, Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection, Medical Inspector, General Counsel, or other federal agencies investigating employee misconduct. Additionally, the bill mandates that the VA Secretary submit annual performance plans for VA political appointees to congressional Veterans' Affairs committees within 30 days of completion, enhancing transparency and accountability within the department.