Protect Our Probationary Employees Act

This bill aims to protect federal employees who are involuntarily separated from government service while serving a probationary or trial period. It establishes a mechanism for these employees to resume their probationary period upon reinstatement, rather than starting a new full probationary term. The legislation specifies that the remaining duration of the probationary period will be calculated as the difference between the standard full period and the time the employee had already served in their previous federal position. The provisions of this Act apply to individuals defined as a "covered probationary employee," meaning someone involuntarily separated from an Executive agency between January 20, 2025, and the Act's sunset date of January 20, 2029. Upon reinstatement, referred to as a "covered appointment," the employee would return to their former employing agency, ideally to a position similar to their previous one. This Act is designed to provide continuity for federal employees whose initial service was interrupted by involuntary separation, ensuring they do not lose credit for time already served towards their probationary requirement.