OPM suitability rule: post-appointment conduct changes take effect July 30
OPM’s final 5 CFR part 731 rule takes effect July 30, 2026, giving OPM a formal path for employee suitability actions based on post-appointment conduct.
Federal Workforce
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OPM shakeups: GAO warns office cuts and capacity loss raise federal HR risk
United States Federal Watchdogs and Public Spending – GAO says OPM cut headcount 35% and eliminated 10 offices, raising operational risk amid missing documentation.
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OPM finalizes performance rating overhaul: Aug. 6, 2026 and Jan. 1, 2027
OPM’s July 7 final rule changes federal performance ratings, with standardized distribution starting Aug. 6 and major updates starting Jan. 1, 2027.
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OPM performance rating rules change: Jan. 1, 2027 starts for non-SES
OPM’s July 7 final rule revamps non-SES performance ratings and disputes—ban removed on forced/standardized distributions, Level 2 removed, and compliance starts Jan. 1, 2027.
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Supreme Court sends immigration-judge speech fight back to lower courts
The Supreme Court revived the immigration-judge speech case on May 26, 2026, sending it back without ruling on the First Amendment claim.
