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Hatch Act Accountability Act
12/30/2022, 8:18 AM
Summary of Bill HR 6062
The bill aims to increase transparency and oversight of federal employees' compliance with the Hatch Act by requiring agencies to report any violations to the Office of Special Counsel. It also seeks to enhance training for federal employees on their obligations under the Hatch Act to ensure they are aware of the restrictions on political activities.
Additionally, the Hatch Act Accountability Act includes provisions to improve the enforcement of the law by increasing penalties for violations and providing additional resources to the Office of Special Counsel to investigate and prosecute cases of Hatch Act violations. Overall, the goal of the Hatch Act Accountability Act is to promote ethical behavior and prevent the misuse of federal resources for political purposes by holding federal employees accountable for complying with the restrictions outlined in the Hatch Act.
Congressional Summary of HR 6062
Hatch Act Accountability Act
This bill expands the jurisdiction of the Office of Special Counsel (OSC) to investigate and enforce Hatch Act violations. The Hatch Act prohibits civil service employees in the executive branch of the federal government from engaging in some forms of political activity (e.g., advocating for or against a partisan political party while on duty). The purpose of the act is to maintain a federal workforce free from partisan political influence or coercion.
Specifically, the bill allows OSC to investigate Hatch Act violations involving White House political appointees. If OSC determines that a White House political appointee has violated the Hatch Act, the bill allows OSC to refer a complaint to the Merit Systems Protection Board for imposition of a civil penalty of up to $50,000.
The bill also allows OSC to investigate Hatch Act violations regardless of whether a complaint has been filed.
