H.R. 10718: Federal Employee Records Relief Act

This bill would create a temporary process for certain former federal employees to get help from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) with their personnel records and related benefits paperwork.

Who it would cover

It would apply to former civilian federal employees who left federal service on or after January 20, 2025. It would not apply to members of the uniformed services. A person could use this process even if they are already receiving a federal annuity.

What former employees could request

A covered former employee could ask OPM to:

• Provide copies of relevant personnel records, including separation documents such as SF-50 forms;
• Correct missing, incomplete, or incorrect personnel records or personnel actions, such as issuing missing records or replacing incorrect ones;
• Receive written help coordinating benefits information, including enrollment status, when coverage ends, and what continuation options may be available, such as temporary continuation of health coverage.

How the process would work

OPM would carry out the process through its Retirement Services Office, or another office the Director chooses. Other federal agencies would have to help by searching for and providing records and information needed to carry out the law, as long as doing so is consistent with other applicable recordkeeping laws.

Limits on what the bill would do

The bill says the help would be limited to administrative actions only. It would not, by itself, require the government to change how a separation was characterized, such as changing a resignation, retirement, or removal, unless there is already a final order, settlement, or other binding legal decision that allows that change under existing law.

Time limit

The special request process would only be available for four years after the bill becomes law. Requests made after that four-year window would not be accepted or processed under this bill.

Relevant Companies

None found.