OPM Seeks Comments on New E-File Appeals System

2026-16687, Differential Pay for Prescribed Wildland Fire Activities

Starting September 14, 2026, federal employees who work on planned wildland fires will get a 25% pay boost for their risky fireline duties. This new rule affects General Schedule and Federal Wage System workers who help control these fires, making their tough jobs a bit more rewarding. It’s a win for firefighters who keep our forests safe with planned burns!

2026-15650, Suitability Action Appeals

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is issuing final regulations to revise how an applicant, appointee, or employee may appeal a suitability action taken under 5 CFR part 731. OPM will replace the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) as the adjudicative agency for such appeals. The change will streamline suitability action appeals procedures, thereby improving the efficiency, rigor, and timeliness by which OPM and agencies resolve challenges to suitability actions and ensure the integrity and efficiency of the service.

2026-15666, Reduction in Force Appeals

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is issuing final regulations to revise how an employee may appeal a furlough of more than 30 days, separation, or demotion by a reduction-in-force (RIF) action. OPM will replace the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) as the adjudicative agency for such appeals. The rule establishes a uniform, record-based OPM appeal process; clarifies the appellant's burden; requires production of the complete agency record; preserves collateral statutory remedies; and applies prospectively to improve timeliness, consistency, and cost-effectiveness while maintaining administrative review.

2026-15654, Streamlining Probationary and Trial Period Appeals

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is issuing a final rule to change the circumstances and procedures for adjudicating appeals from employees terminated during their probationary and trial periods and supervisors and managers who fail to complete their probationary periods. Executive order, "Strengthening Probationary Periods in the Federal Service," rendered the prior procedures for appealing such actions to the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) inoperative. This final rule establishes a new, limited appeals process adjudicated by OPM. The final rule also makes conforming amendments.

2026-15665, Reduction in Force

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is revising its reduction in force (RIF) regulations to make the RIF regulations more streamlined, efficient, and merit-based by prioritizing performance over tenure and length of service when determining which employees will be retained in a RIF and by modifying the types of employees who are excluded from RIF competition. OPM is also revising its regulations regarding the reemployment priority list (RPL), career transition assistance program (CTAP), the interagency career transition assistance program (ICTAP), and transfers of function.

2026-15597, FLSA Claims and Compliance

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is issuing this direct final rule to update the provisions concerning Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) claims submissions to OPM.

Previous: 2026-14960, Deepwater Port License Application: ST LNG Deepwater Port Development Project-Final Public Hearing

The Maritime Administration is holding a final public hearing on August 12, 2026, about the ST LNG Deepwater Port project off the coast of Texas. This project plans to export liquefied natural gas to other countries, which could boost local jobs and energy trade. The public can join the hearing, share their thoughts, and learn more during an open house before the meeting.

Next: 2026-14962, Notice of the Establishment of the Arctic Shipping Federal Advisory Committee; Solicitation of Nominations for Membership

The U.S. Department of Transportation just created the Arctic Shipping Federal Advisory Committee to help make Arctic sea travel safer and smarter. They’re looking for 17 members to join and share ideas on building ports, improving safety, and protecting the environment up north. If you want in, send your nomination by September 22, 2026—this is your chance to shape the future of Arctic shipping!