DECLINE Act
The DECLINE Act would require each federal agency to establish a formal policy for deactivating charge cards tied to employees who separate from the agency. Within 30 days of enactment, agency financial officers (and human capital officers, as applicable) must implement a policy that requires the separated employee to return the card, ensures the card is secured, removes the card from any digital wallets or devices used in employment, immediately deactivates the card and closes or suspends the account, and notifies the issuing financial institution that the card is no longer valid for the former employee. The bill also directs the Comptroller General to audit and report on agency compliance annually, starting one year after enactment, covering card issuance/deactivation data, internal controls, implementation status, late fees, and reporting practices to the bank.
Key Points
- 1Definitions: clarifies who is covered (agency, charge card, and covered individuals who separate or retire, including certain high-level or confidential positions).
- 2Policy requirement: by 30 days after enactment, each agency must establish and implement a separation policy for charge cards issued to a covered individual.
- 3Required separation actions: return of the card, physical security of the card, removal from digital wallets/devices, immediate deactivation/closure of the account, and notifying the issuing bank that the card is no longer valid.
- 4GAO oversight: within one year of enactment and annually thereafter, GAO must report on (a) number of cards issued and deactivated, (b) internal controls against misuse/fraud, (c) implementation status, (d) late fees paid, and (e) the adequacy of electronic reporting to banks.
- 5Short title: the act may be cited as the Deactivating and Eliminating Cards Linked to Inactive or Nonexistent Employees Act (the DECLINE Act).