Bill > HR5724

This bill, known as the Fair Access to Swift and Timely Justice Act (FAST Justice Act), addresses delays in appeals processed by the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB), a federal agency that handles employment disputes for federal workers. Under the bill, if the MSPB fails to take action on an employee or employment applicant's appeal within 120 days of filing, the individual gains the right to file a civil action in a federal district court. The civil action can be filed in the judicial district where the personnel action occurred, where the employee would have been employed, or where the respondent's principal office is located. When reviewing such cases, courts must apply the same standards of review that the MSPB would have used, and specifically apply the standard of review outlined in section 7703(c) for any MSPB orders or decisions. If a district court makes a determination, appeals can be filed with the corresponding United States Court of Appeals. The bill also requires the MSPB to stay the original appeal if a civil action is filed and to resume processing the appeal if the civil action is dismissed for lack of jurisdiction. Importantly, the bill does not limit an individual's existing rights to seek judicial review of MSPB orders through existing legal channels.

Government Affairs

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/5724/all-info