On July 16, Rep. Julia Brownley (D-CA) introduced the Protecting Federal Employee Rights to Personnel Files Act of 2025 (H.R. 4440) in the House of Representatives, a bill that would require agencies to provide a separated employee with a copy of their official personnel file, in electronic and physical form, no later than 7 days after their date of separation. This policy change would apply to any separation of employment, whether from retirement, termination, changing federal agencies, or otherwise.

FMA endorsed the bill, which currently has 15 cosponsors, as these employees need documents for taxes, other employment, or for potential unemployment claims. While employees Online Personnel Files are sent to the National Personnel Records Center in St Louis and former employees can request copies of any document in their OPFs from the NPRC, H.R. 4440 would more readily aid separated employees.

FMA shared some concerns about potential costs of mandating a physical copy of personnel files, which could potentially incur some high costs for printing and shipping, particularly for an employee with a large file. We suggested allowing feds to opt out completely, opt out of the printed version and receiving an electronic version only, or receiving only a printed copy.

To follow the progress of the bill, click here.