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Summary Provided by Congressional Research Service
Federal Relocation Payment Improvement Act
This bill permanently authorizes all federal agencies to pay employees' relocation expenses using lump-sum payments rather than reimbursements for expenses incurred.
Under current law, several federal agencies currently participate in a pilot program that allows the agencies to pay relocation expenses using lump-sum payments rather than reimbursements. This bill expands the program by permanently authorizing all federal agencies to pay employees who relocate in the interest of the government a one-time, lump-sum relocation payment instead of any payment otherwise authorized or required for such purposes.
The bill directs the General Services Administration to issue regulations to implement this bill, including regulations establishing (1) when agencies may authorize a one-time, lump sum payment under this bill or the payments otherwise authorized or required by law; (2) how agencies will calculate the lump-sum amount; and (3) the process for employees to dispute and appeal agency decisions.
Latest available text
1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the "Federal Relocation Payment Improvement Act".
2. Lump-sum relocation payments for relocated Federal employees
(a) In general - Subchapter II of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
5739a. Authority for lump sum payment for relocation
(a) In general - Notwithstanding any other provision of this subchapter, when the head of the agency concerned (or a designee) authorizes or approves, an agency, through the proper disbursing official, may pay to an employee who relocates in the interest of the Government, a one-time lump sum payment in lieu of any payment otherwise authorized or required under this subchapter.
(b) Regulations - Under section 5738 of this title, the Administrator of General Services shall prescribe regulations necessary for the implementation and administration of this section, including—
(1) when agencies may authorize a one-time lump sum payment under this section or the payments otherwise authorized or required under this subchapter;
(2) how agencies will calculate the lump sum amount; and
(3) the process for employees to dispute a relocation expenses claim with their agency, notice of the employee’s right to appeal the agency decision to the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals, and citation to the Board’s procedures governing the appeals process.
(b) Clerical amendment - The table of sections for such subchapter is amended by adding after the item relating to section 5739 the following:
5739a. Authority for lump sum payment for relocation.