Senator James Lankford (R-OK), ranking member of the Senate Government Operations Subcommittee, introduced the Telework Reform Act (S. 3015) in October, together with Subcommittee Chair Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ). FMA immediately endorsed the legislation, which aims to improve recruitment and retention to remote work positions and promotes the management, accountability, and transparency of federal telework.

“As the structure of the work environment and the culture of the workforce changes we are seeing more and more remote workers. This is a great recruiting tool for military and law enforcement spouses who wish to support their loved ones while also pursuing their own career,” Lankford said in a press release upon introduction. “By re-thinking how the government uses remote work, we are encouraging federal agencies to hire in diverse communities across the country; instead of requiring our workforce to be centralized in Washington, DC. We should allow both people to serve their nation and build a career.”

Specifically, the bill would:

• Enhance the training and monitoring, policy and support, accountability, and reporting with respect to remote work and telework.

• Direct agencies to identify potential value from increasing remote and other telework opportunities, determine which job classifications could benefit from being performed through telework, and the expected cost savings and productivity outcomes resulting from the increased use of remote work and telework.

• Promote the hiring of veterans, spouses of service members, spouses of federal law enforcement officers, and certain individuals who have proven to be high-performing federal employees.

S. 3015 was referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. To follow its progress in the legislative process, click here.