summary
Introduced
01/20/2016
01/20/2016
In Committee
02/10/2016
02/10/2016
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/03/2017
01/03/2017
Introduced Session
114th Congress
Bill Summary
Administrative Leave Act of 2016 This bill expresses the sense of Congress that federal agency use of administrative leave for personnel purposes has exceeded reasonable amounts. The bill: (1) prohibits an agency from placing an employee in administrative leave for more than five consecutive days; (2) requires agencies to record administrative leave separately from other types of leave; (3) requires the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to prescribe regulations with respect to acceptable agency uses of, and proper recording of, administrative leave and other leave authorized by law; (4) directs agencies to revise and implement their internal policies to meet the requirements of this bill; and (5) requires OPM to report to specified congressional committees on agency use of administrative leave. In lieu of administrative leave, agencies may place an employee in investigative or notice leave if the employee is under investigation or the target of an adverse action. An agency may not place an employee in investigative or notice leave unless the continued presence of the employee in the workplace may pose a threat or cause loss of, or damage to, government property. Before placing an employee on investigative or notice leave, an agency must consider other options, including reassigning the employee, allowing the employee to take available leave, allowing the employee to telework, or treating the employee as absent without leave. Agencies may grant leave to employees who cannot report to work due to: (1) an act of God, (2) a terrorist attack, or (3) another condition that prevents such employees from safely traveling to or performing work at an approved location. OPM must report to Congress within three years on whether agency policies comply with the requirements of this bill.
AI Summary
This bill, the Administrative Leave Act of 2016, aims to reform the use of administrative leave for federal employees by establishing clearer guidelines and oversight. Key provisions include limiting administrative leave to no more than five consecutive days, requiring agencies to record this type of leave separately from other forms of leave, and directing the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to create regulations for acceptable uses and proper recording of all authorized leave. Agencies will need to update their internal policies to comply with these new rules. In situations where an employee is under investigation or facing disciplinary action, agencies can use "investigative leave" or "notice leave" instead of administrative leave, but only if the employee's continued presence poses a threat or risk to government property, and only after considering alternatives like reassignment, other types of leave, or telework. The bill also allows for specific types of leave for employees unable to work due to acts of God, terrorist attacks, or other safety-related conditions. Finally, OPM is mandated to report to Congress on agency compliance with these new provisions.
Committee Categories
Military Affairs and Security
Sponsors (6)
Jon Tester (D)*,
Tom Carper (D),
Chuck Grassley (R),
Ron Johnson (R),
James Lankford (R),
Claire McCaskill (D),
Last Action
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 545. (on 07/06/2016)
Official Document
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