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HR 1522

Commending the staff of the State Preservation Board for their service during the 89th Legislative Session.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Charlie Geren

Allows counting post-1988 temporary federal service toward FERS retirement, enabling eligible employees to make deposits to boost annuities and survivor benefits.

Reported enrolled
#resolutions--congratulatory&honorary(i0705) #statepreservationboard(v1178)
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Bill Summary · HR 1522

Note: The header metadata above (a congratulatory resolution for a State Preservation Board) conflicts with the full text below. This summary covers the actual bill text filed as H.R. 1522 (119th Congress, 1st Session), titled the "Federal Retirement Fairness Act," introduced February 24, 2025.

H.R. 1522 — Federal Retirement Fairness Act (summary)

Purpose

To amend Title 5 of the U.S. Code so that civilian service performed in a temporary position after December 31, 1988, can be counted as creditable service under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). The effect is to allow certain former and current temporary federal employees to receive credit toward FERS retirement benefits for service that previously was excluded solely because it occurred after 1988.

Key provisions

  • Short title: “Federal Retirement Fairness Act.”
  • Amendment to 5 U.S.C. § 8411(3): Strikes the phrase “performed before January 1, 1989,” thereby removing the exclusion that prevented temporary civilian service after that date from being treated as creditable service under FERS.
  • Application: The change applies to any individual who is an “employee” (as defined in 5 U.S.C. § 8401(11)), including temporary employees of the United States Postal Service, or a “Member” (defined in 5 U.S.C. § 8401(20)), on or after the date of enactment.
  • Deposits: Individuals made eligible by this change may be permitted to make the required deposit to have that prior temporary service count under FERS (the bill references eligibility to make a deposit by operation of the amendment).
  • OPM responsibilities:
    • The Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must notify agency Chief Human Capital Officers (or appropriate officials) so affected employees/Members are informed about eligibility to make deposits.
    • The Director must promulgate regulations to implement the Act and its amendments.

Who is affected

  • Current and former federal temporary employees (including temporary USPS employees) whose service occurred after December 31, 1988.
  • Members (likely referring to certain uniformed members or legislative Members as defined in law) who meet the statutory definition and are employed or serving on or after enactment.
  • Federal agencies and OPM, which will administer notices, deposits, and rulemaking; potential actuarial/ budgetary effects for retirement funds.

Potential impact

  • Individuals: May gain additional credited service for retirement calculations, potentially increasing annuities, eligibility for benefits, and survivor benefits if they make required deposits.
  • Government finances: Potential increases in retirement liabilities and administrative workload for OPM and agencies to process deposits and update records; actual fiscal effect depends on uptake and actuarial treatment.
  • Implementation: OPM rulemaking and agency notification processes are required; eligibility applies as of the date of enactment for those employed or Members at that time.

Procedural status (selected)

  • Introduced in House: February 24, 2025 (Rep. Gerald E. Connolly).
  • Referred to: House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
  • Filed: June 1, 2025. Rules suspended and adopted June 2, 2025. Reported enrolled: June 3, 2025.
  • Sponsorship: Numerous bipartisan cosponsors; on July 22, 2025 Rep. Emily Randall was permitted to be considered first sponsor for administrative purposes.

If enacted, OPM would issue regulations and agency notices to implement the change and guide eligible employees on how to make deposits to receive credit for the previously excluded temporary service.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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