A newly introduced House bill would rewrite federal telework rules, restoring certain policies that were in place before the second Trump administration while adding new requirements, FEDweek reported.
The measure, H.R. 10713, has not advanced beyond introduction. If it moves, it could change who is eligible to telework, how agencies are overseen, and what they must report.
Key Facts
- Bill: H.R. 10713, introduced in the House of Representatives
- Restores: Certain telework policies that predate the second Trump administration
- Adds: New requirements on top of the restored policies
- Areas affected: Agency telework eligibility, oversight, and reporting expectations
- Status: Newly introduced. It has not passed the House or the Senate and has not been signed into law.
Context
Federal telework has been governed largely by the Telework Enhancement Act of 2010, which directs agencies to set telework policies, determine employee eligibility, and notify employees of their status. Agencies have wide discretion in how they apply those rules.
That discretion has become a flashpoint. The current administration has pushed agencies toward in-person work, a shift that has changed day-to-day arrangements for many employees. Legislation like H.R. 10713 would put some limits or standards in statute rather than leaving them to executive direction.
Bills introduced in the House often go no further. Most are referred to committee, and many never receive a hearing or a vote. Any version that advances could change substantially from the introduced text.
What It Means For You
Nothing changes today. Current agency telework and return-to-office policies remain in effect.
If you telework or are weighing an arrangement, keep these points in mind:
- Stick with your agency's current policy. An introduced bill does not override existing rules or your telework agreement.
- Watch the eligibility language. If the bill advances, how it defines eligible positions will determine who is affected.
- Expect more reporting. New oversight and reporting requirements would fall mainly on agencies, but could also affect how telework is tracked and managed at the office level.
- Read the bill text. The full provisions will determine which prior policies would be restored and which new requirements would apply.
GovWire will report on committee action, a hearing schedule, or a floor vote if they occur.
Source: FEDweek