Bill · S. 806· Senate(119-S-806)
Hatch Act Enforcement Transparency and Accountability Act
- Introduced
- 2/27/2025
- Last activity
- 2/27/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- Sponsored by
- Ben Luján
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Hatch Act Enforcement Transparency and Accountability Act aims to increase the accountability of the Office of Special Counsel. It seeks to ensure that the enforcement of certain provisions in title 5 is done vigorously and consistently. The bill introduces specific definitions for career and noncareer employees. It establishes new reporting requirements to Congress regarding complaints and investigations. Additionally, it mandates the publication of demographic statistics regarding enforcement actions. These changes are intended to provide more transparency in how political activity allegations are handled.
Yes· 3 of 10
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+7
The bill increases transparency by requiring detailed written explanations for declined complaints and the publication of demographic enforcement data.
Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated?+3
The bill requires the publication of anonymized demographic statistics including race to monitor enforcement patterns.
Does this narrow the gap between how men and women are treated?+3
The bill mandates the tracking and publication of sex-based demographic information regarding enforcement actions.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Transparency in Enforcement: The bill requires the Special Counsel to publish detailed written explanations for decisions not to present a complaint to the Merit Systems Protection Board against certain noncareer employees (Section 5).
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Tracking of Demographic Information: The Special Counsel will be required to track and publish anonymized demographic information, such as race, sex, ethnicity, national origin, and disability status, regarding covered allegations against both career and noncareer employees (Section 5).
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Enhanced Congressional Oversight: The bill mandates regular reports to the Chair and Ranking Member of specific House and Senate committees regarding the number of complaints received and whether they involved career or noncareer employees (Section 3 and Section 4).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Increased Reporting Burdens: The bill requires the Special Counsel to submit various reports to Congress, including a written report every 180 days and an annual report involving specific details regarding covered allegations (Section 3 and Section 4).
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Potential Disclosure of Sensitive Information to Congress: The Special Counsel must submit a confidential addendum to Congressional leadership that includes the name and position of noncareer employees (or former employees) who were the subject of covered allegations that were not investigated (Section 4).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For African Americans+2Good For Asian Americans+2Good For Hispanic Americans+2Good For People With Disabilities+2Good For White Americans+2Good For Women+2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Disability Rights+3Improves Gender Equality+3Improves Racial Equity+3
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+7
- 2/27/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Martin HeinrichDemocrat · New Mexico