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ROOMIE Act
2/13/2025, 3:08 AM
Summary of Bill S 102
The main goal of this bill is to ensure that Federal employees are physically present in their offices, rather than working remotely or telecommuting. Proponents of the bill argue that in-person work fosters better collaboration, communication, and productivity among employees.
Opponents of the bill, however, argue that mandating in-person work requirements may be unnecessary and could potentially limit flexibility for employees who may benefit from remote work options. They also raise concerns about the potential impact on traffic congestion, environmental sustainability, and work-life balance for employees. Overall, Bill 119 s 102 aims to increase in-person work requirements for Federal agency employees and to ensure that a certain portion of office space is occupied. The bill is currently under consideration in Congress and may undergo revisions before potentially becoming law.
Congressional Summary of S 102
Reinforce Occupancy Obligations for Maximized Interagency Efficiency Act or the ROOMIE Act
This bill establishes occupancy requirements for federal office buildings and directs agencies to sell or terminate leases on unused office space.
The bill directs agencies to amend their policies within 120 days of the bill's enactment to require not less than 80% of the agency's employees to work on site. The policies must also ensure that at least 60% of the usable square feet of the agency's office space is occupied by agency employees.
Agencies that do not employ enough individuals to occupy 60% of the agency's office space must provide an occupancy plan to the General Services Administration and Congress detailing how it will meet that goal, particularly by working with other federal agencies. The plan must be submitted within one year of the bill's enactment.
The Government Accountability Office must report to Congress regarding agencies' compliance with these requirements.
Agencies that do not comply with these requirements must sell their properties, terminate leases, or not renew leases, as applicable.
