H.R. 6311: PCS Leave for Military Spouse Federal Workers Act

This bill, titled the PCS Leave for Military Spouse Federal Workers Act, seeks to provide federal employees who are spouses of members of the uniformed services or the Foreign Service with paid leave when their spouses are moved to a new duty station. Here’s a summary of the key provisions of the bill:

Paid Leave Entitlement

Federal employees whose spouses are relocated due to a "permanent change of station" will be entitled to:

• At least 40 hours of paid leave: This leave is granted specifically to facilitate the move of the employee to a new location where their spouse will be assigned to work.
• Proportional leave for part-time employees: If the employee works part-time or has an unusual work schedule, they will receive a ratio of leave time based on their hours.
• Potential for additional leave: Agency heads may grant more leave if deemed appropriate.

Usage of Leave

The paid leave can only be used for activities related to the move, specifically:

• While the employee is scheduled to work.
• Intermittently or on a reduced schedule, but it must be used within one month of the move.
• It cannot be converted to cash for any unused portion.
• Leave is granted for each move and does not accumulate for future use.

Application Requirements

Employees are required to provide their employing agency with documentation regarding their spouse's permanent change of station when requesting this leave.

Definitions

The bill also defines key terms:

• Employee: Includes individuals defined in section 2105, such as temporary or term personnel, and employees of the U.S. Postal Service.
• Spouse: Refers to a partner of a member of the uniformed services or Foreign Service.
• Permanent change of station: Refers to a permanent change in duty location or a change in homeport for military vessels.

Clerical Amendments

The bill includes a technical amendment to the table of sections for relevant U.S. Code, indicating the addition of this new leave provision.

Relevant Companies

None found.