Feds Beef Up Probation Rules for New Government Hires

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.

2026-04547 — Submission for Review: 3206-0194, Annuity Supplement Earnings Report, RI 92-22

If you’re a FERS retiree under 62 who’s not on disability, you might get a special annuity supplement that helps boost your Social Security benefits. The government wants to keep checking your yearly earnings to make sure you still qualify for this extra money. They’re asking for your thoughts on this process until May 8, 2026, so speak up if you have ideas or concerns!

2026-04525 — Submission for Review: Initial Certification of Full-Time School Attendance, RI 25-41, 3206-0099 and 3206-0215, Verification of Full-Time School Attendance, RI 25-49

If you’re a surviving adult child between 18 and 22 and a full-time student, this update affects you! The Office of Personnel Management wants to combine two school attendance forms into one simpler form to make it easier to prove you’re still in school and keep getting survivor benefits. They’re asking for your thoughts by May 8, 2026, so get ready to share your feedback!

2026-03997 — Submission for Review: 3206-0237, Information and Instructions on Your Reconsideration Rights, RI 38-47

The Office of Personnel Management is asking for public feedback on the instructions about how federal employees can ask for a second look at decisions about their retirement, health benefits, or life insurance. This update keeps the process clear and easy to follow, with no new costs or deadlines added. If you’re a federal employee or retiree, now’s the time to share your thoughts before April 28, 2026!

Previous: 2025-11554 — Fisheries Off West Coast States; Modification of the West Coast Salmon Fisheries; Inseason Action #20

Hey West Coast fishers! The government just changed the 2025 salmon fishing rules from the US-Canada border down to Cape Falcon, Oregon. These updates tweak commercial fishing limits to keep salmon healthy and the industry thriving—so get ready to adjust your plans and nets!

Next: 2025-11584 — Safety Zone; Chicago Harbor, Navy Pier Southeast, Chicago, IL

The Coast Guard is setting up a safety zone near Navy Pier in Chicago to keep people and boats safe during a barge fireworks show. No one can enter, pass through, or park their boats in this area unless they get special permission. This temporary rule helps protect everyone and the environment during the event.