Senate Introduces Bill to Enhance Federal Telework and Support Military Spouses in Remote Jobs

Senators James Lankford and Kyrsten Sinema have introduced the Telework Reform Act, which aims to establish definitions for telework and remote work for federal employees and promote management, accountability, and transparency. The bill would require teleworking federal employees to report to the office at least twice per two-week pay period and mandate agencies to report to Congress on the potential value, cost savings, and productivity outcomes of increased remote work. It also emphasizes the role of data in federal telework and requires agencies to offer training on reporting and eligibility requirements. The legislation would set annual renewal requirements for telework agreements and expand remote job opportunities for military and law enforcement spouses. The bill differs from previous legislation that aimed to scale back telework opportunities.