The "Special Government Employees Transparency Act of 2025" aims to increase accountability and transparency regarding individuals serving as special Government employees (SGEs) within Executive agencies. A core provision establishes a strict limit, stipulating that an SGE cannot serve for more than 130 days within any 365-day period. If this threshold is exceeded, the employing agency must reclassify the individual into an appropriate employment category under civil service laws, providing notice and appeal rights, and the individual then assumes the full legal obligations and rights of that new position. To enhance public oversight, the bill mandates the creation of a searchable, public database for "covered special Government employees" by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Director. This database will include essential details such as the SGE's name, position title, employing agency, and appointment dates. Executive agencies are required to promptly update this database with personnel actions and ensure the accuracy of the information, with OPM conducting audits and reporting to Congress on compliance. Additionally, the legislation requires Executive agencies to make financial disclosure reports filed by covered special Government employees publicly available. This provision applies to SGEs whose responsibilities are comparable to GS-11 level or above and who are not serving on advisory committees or as full-time student appointees. Certain exceptions apply, such as for reports containing national defense information or those filed by individuals already subject to specific disclosure rules.
Special Government Employees Transparency Act of 2025
USA119th CongressHR-2455| House
| Updated: 3/27/2025
The "Special Government Employees Transparency Act of 2025" aims to increase accountability and transparency regarding individuals serving as special Government employees (SGEs) within Executive agencies. A core provision establishes a strict limit, stipulating that an SGE cannot serve for more than 130 days within any 365-day period. If this threshold is exceeded, the employing agency must reclassify the individual into an appropriate employment category under civil service laws, providing notice and appeal rights, and the individual then assumes the full legal obligations and rights of that new position. To enhance public oversight, the bill mandates the creation of a searchable, public database for "covered special Government employees" by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Director. This database will include essential details such as the SGE's name, position title, employing agency, and appointment dates. Executive agencies are required to promptly update this database with personnel actions and ensure the accuracy of the information, with OPM conducting audits and reporting to Congress on compliance. Additionally, the legislation requires Executive agencies to make financial disclosure reports filed by covered special Government employees publicly available. This provision applies to SGEs whose responsibilities are comparable to GS-11 level or above and who are not serving on advisory committees or as full-time student appointees. Certain exceptions apply, such as for reports containing national defense information or those filed by individuals already subject to specific disclosure rules.