Official Time Reporting Act
The Official Time Reporting Act would add a new requirement to that part of the law that governs official time for federal employee unions. Specifically, it would mandate that the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), in consultation with the Office of Management and Budget, produce an annual report for Congress on how official time is used by federal employees in bargaining units. The report would cover the most recently completed fiscal year, include explanations for any agency increases in official time, and be publicly posted on OPM’s website. Agencies would also have to provide data to OPM by December 31 each year, following a standardized format and guidance to be issued by OPM. The act would take effect on April 1 (the first such date not less than six months after enactment). The sponsor listed is Ms. Foxx, with additional support from Mr. Comer and Mr. Palmer, and the bill is in the House of Representatives’ Oversight and Government Reform Committee. In short, the bill aims to increase transparency and public accountability for how much time federal employees spend on union-related activities while on duty, along with the costs and logistics of those activities.
Key Points
- 1What it does: Creates an annual, publicly accessible report on official time use by federal employees, filed with Congress and published by OPM, with data drawn from agency submissions.
- 2When reports are due:
- 3- The Director of OPM must submit the annual report to Congress and post it publicly by March 31 of each calendar year.
- 4- Agency heads must provide required information to OPM by December 31 of each calendar year, using the guidance and any standardized format issued by OPM.
- 5Information included (data elements):
- 6- Total amount of official time granted.
- 7- Average official time per bargaining-unit employee and the total number of employees in each bargaining unit.
- 8- For each agency, the average aggregate official time rate.
- 9- The agency subdivision where bargaining-unit employees work.
- 10- Amount withheld from pay for union dues via payroll systems and how many employees used payroll payroll-deducted dues.
- 11- Specific activities or purposes for which official time was granted and effects on agency operations.
- 12- Total number of employees granted official time and how many engaged solely in official-time activities.
- 13- Government costs paid to employees granted official time, broken down by compensation, benefits, and travel/other expenses.
- 14- For each agency, a description of any room/space used for official-time activities, its square footage, and any value or fees related to government property used by labor organizations.
- 15Explanations for increases: If an agency’s average aggregate official time rate increases from one fiscal year to the next, the agency must explain the increase in the information submitted.
- 16Guidance and format: OPM must issue guidance (within 180 days of enactment) on how to submit the required information, including a possible standardized reporting format, and coordinate with Chief Human Capital Officers to aid compliance.
- 17Definitions: The bill provides definitions for terms like agency bargaining unit, bargaining unit, official time, and average aggregate official time rate to standardize reporting.
- 18Effectiveness: The reporting requirements take effect on the first April 1 that is not less than six months after enactment.