DECLINE Act

This bill, known as the DECLINE Act, mandates that federal agencies establish and implement a comprehensive policy for the deactivation of employee charge cards when an individual separates from the agency. This policy must be in place within 30 days of the Act's enactment and developed by the agency's chief financial officer in consultation with the chief human capital officer. The primary goal is to prevent misuse of government payment cards after an employee's departure. The required policy outlines several crucial steps to be taken upon an employee's separation. These steps include ensuring the covered individual returns the charge card and removes it from any digital wallets or electronic devices. Furthermore, agency personnel must physically secure the card , immediately deactivate the charge card , and report it to the issuing financial institution as no longer valid for use. To ensure accountability and oversight, the bill also requires the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct an annual review. This review will assess agency compliance with the new deactivation policies, evaluate internal controls for monitoring charge card use, and report on the number of cards issued and deactivated. The report will also detail any late fees incurred by agencies and the status of their management reporting practices.