Federal Register #2026-19222

OPM proposes rule changes to modernize excepted service employment regulations

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is proposing regulatory changes to modernize excepted service employment rules. - Government Buyer: - Office of Personnel Management (OPM) - No OEMs or vendors are involved; this is a regulatory action, not a procurement. - Products/Services Requested: - No products or services are being procured. - Notable Requirements: - Updates regulations for excepted service employment, including Pathways Programs and administrative law judge (ALJ) appointments. - Aligns procedures with current excepted-service schedules (Schedules E, Policy/Career, and G). - Preserves veterans' preference, compensable-injury restoration rights, and other priority placement rights. - Simplifies hiring rules and removes obsolete procedures. - Clarifies Pathways conversions to Schedule Policy/Career. - Reflects recent executive orders and statutory frameworks. - Addresses priority reemployment lists, agency-specific authorities, and treatment of political appointments under Schedule G for suitability and fitness regulations.

Description

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) proposes to amend its regulations governing the excepted service, Pathways Programs, and administrative law judge (ALJ) appointments. The proposed rule aims to conform OPM regulations to current excepted-service schedules, including Schedules E, Policy/Career, and G. It seeks to modernize part 302 procedures while preserving veterans' preference, compensable-injury restoration rights, and other priority placement rights. Additionally, the rule would authorize and clarify Pathways conversions to Schedule Policy/Career and make related conforming amendments.

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