Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee
Introduced
In Committee
On Floor
Passed Chamber
Enacted
This legislation aims to enhance accountability and transparency regarding individuals serving as special Government employees (SGEs) within Executive agencies. A core provision establishes a strict limit, requiring that an individual cease to be an SGE after serving for 130 days within any 365-day period. If this threshold is exceeded, the employing agency must reclassify the individual as a regular employee, subjecting them to applicable civil service laws and granting them full employee rights and obligations. To promote transparency, the bill mandates the creation of a public, searchable SGE Database by the Office of Personnel Management, in consultation with the Office of Government Ethics. This database will include key information for "covered special Government employees," such as their name, position title, employing agency, and appointment dates. Agencies are required to keep this information current, and the database must be publicly accessible online, compliant with accessibility standards, and offer an application programming interface. Additionally, the legislation requires Executive agencies to make financial disclosure reports filed by covered special Government employees publicly available. This provision aims to increase public oversight of potential conflicts of interest. However, certain exceptions apply, including reports from specific high-level officials, SGEs not classified as "covered special Government employees," and any reports containing national defense information.
Special Government Employees Transparency Act of 2025
USA119th CongressS-1196| Senate
| Updated: 3/27/2025
This legislation aims to enhance accountability and transparency regarding individuals serving as special Government employees (SGEs) within Executive agencies. A core provision establishes a strict limit, requiring that an individual cease to be an SGE after serving for 130 days within any 365-day period. If this threshold is exceeded, the employing agency must reclassify the individual as a regular employee, subjecting them to applicable civil service laws and granting them full employee rights and obligations. To promote transparency, the bill mandates the creation of a public, searchable SGE Database by the Office of Personnel Management, in consultation with the Office of Government Ethics. This database will include key information for "covered special Government employees," such as their name, position title, employing agency, and appointment dates. Agencies are required to keep this information current, and the database must be publicly accessible online, compliant with accessibility standards, and offer an application programming interface. Additionally, the legislation requires Executive agencies to make financial disclosure reports filed by covered special Government employees publicly available. This provision aims to increase public oversight of potential conflicts of interest. However, certain exceptions apply, including reports from specific high-level officials, SGEs not classified as "covered special Government employees," and any reports containing national defense information.