OPM Eases Hiring Rules for College Students in Government

2026-07245 — Uniform Allowances

The Office of Personnel Management is boosting the yearly uniform allowance from $800 to $1,500 for federal employees who need uniforms. This change starts July 13, 2026, and helps agencies better manage uniform programs while clarifying what counts as a uniform versus protective gear. If no big complaints come in by May 14, 2026, the new rules will roll out smoothly, putting more money and clearer rules in employees’ pockets.

2026-07198 — Differential Pay for Prescribed Wildland Fire Activities

Federal employees who fight planned wildland fires could soon get a 25% pay boost for their risky work. This change affects General Schedule and Federal Wage System workers directly involved in controlling these fires. Comments on this proposal are open until June 15, 2026, so now’s the time to weigh in!

2026-05679 — Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Regulations

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is officially pulling back a 2008 plan to update its Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) rules because the world has changed a lot since then. They’ll cook up fresh, modern updates soon to make it easier for everyone to request government info. No new costs or deadlines now, but stay tuned for smarter, faster FOIA rules coming your way!

2026-04377 — Reduction in Force

The Office of Personnel Management is updating the rules for Reduction in Force (RIF), which affects federal employees facing job cuts. The new rules focus more on job performance than how long someone has worked, and they tweak who’s protected from layoffs. These changes aim to make the process fairer and smoother, with a comment deadline on May 4, 2026.

2025-14006 — Appeal Procedures for Recoupment of Awards, Bonuses, or Relocation Expenses Awarded or Approved for All Employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs

If you work or used to work for the VA and got an award, bonus, or help moving, this new rule lets you appeal if they ask for that money back. It explains how to ask the Office of Personnel Management to review the payback order. This means you have a clear, fair way to challenge repayment decisions starting now.

2026-10139 — Submission for Reinstatement Generic Information Collection: 3206-0252 Program Services Evaluation Surveys and 3206-0253 Leadership Assessment Surveys

The Office of Personnel Management wants to bring back two important surveys that help check how federal programs and leaders are doing. These surveys gather feedback from federal employees to improve work climate and leadership. They’re asking for public comments by June 22, 2026, and there’s no new cost or big changes—just a smooth continuation of these helpful tools.

Previous: 2026-03185 — Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Vessels Using Pot Gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska

Starting February 17, 2026, fishing boats using pot gear can catch Pacific cod again in the Central Gulf of Alaska to make sure they don’t miss out on their fishing quota. This temporary change stays until June 10, 2026, helping fishermen use their full share of the allowed catch. If you have thoughts, you can send comments by March 5, 2026.

Next: 2026-03246 — Amendment of United States Area Navigation Routes Q-121 and Q-156

The FAA is renaming a waypoint on two U.S. air navigation routes from “SWTHN” to the easier-to-say “STORZ.” This change won’t affect flight paths or costs but will make communication clearer for pilots and controllers. The update takes effect on May 14, 2026, so everyone flying these routes should get ready for the new name!