OPM Backs Off 2020 Judge Hiring Rule Shake-Up

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: 2026-06444 — Accidental Release Prevention Requirements: Risk Management Programs Under the Clean Air Act; Common Sense Approach to Chemical Accident Prevention; Extension of Comment Period

The EPA is giving more time for people and businesses to share their thoughts on new rules about preventing chemical accidents. This extension means comments are now due by May 11, 2026, instead of April 10. If you work with chemicals or run facilities that handle them, this extra time helps you weigh in on safety changes that could affect your operations and costs.

Next: 2026-06459 — Airworthiness Directives; Ontic Engineering and Manufacturing, Inc. Airplanes (Type Certificate Previously Held by M7 Aerospace LLC)

The FAA wants Ontic Engineering and Manufacturing airplane owners to regularly check and fix the pitch trim actuator because some have failed during flight. These inspections and fixes must happen often to keep planes safe, and certain parts can’t be installed unless properly sealed. Comments on this plan are open until May 18, 2026, so owners should prepare for some maintenance costs and deadlines.