Compliance June 26, 2009

Federal Employees Could Get Sick Leave Credit under Bill Passed by House

June 26, 2009 (PLANSPONSOR.com) - Legislation that would allow federal employees under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) to get credit in their pension calculation for unused sick leave has passed in the U.S. House.
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According to FedSmith.com, the provision passed unanimously the day after it was introduced. H.R. 2990 would also allow rehired FERS employees who agree to redeposit their annuities to receive credit for past years of service.

In addition, the measure would bring federal employees in Alaska, Hawaii, and U.S. territories into the federal government’s locality pay system. There would be a transition period for this new system, FedSmith.com said:

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  • In calendar year 2010, by using 1/3 of the locality pay percentage for the rest of United States locality pay area;
  • In calendar year 2011, by using 2/3 of the otherwise applicable comparability payment approved by the President for each non-foreign area; and
  • In calendar year 2012 and each subsequent year, by using the full amount of the applicable comparability payment approved by the President for each non-foreign area.

A similar proposal to bring these areas under the locality pay system was approved by the Senate last year (see Congressional Measure Reforms Alaska, Hawaii Federal Worker Retirement ).

Contents of the House bill are here .

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