OPM has proposed rules to carry out several changes in the Hatch Act passed into law last year, including provisions allowing for lesser penalties for a violation. Under prior policy, employees found to have violated political activities restrictions were fired by default, with the only lesser penalty being an unpaid 30-day suspension if MSPB unanimously agreed. Under the new rules, penalties as light as a reprimand are allowable. The rules also carry out some changes in policies for state and local government employees who are covered by the law because they work in programs funded by the federal government, among numerous technical provisions. The rules were published in today’s (July 24) Federal Register.
