MERIT Act of 2024

The MERIT Act of 2024 modifies federal personnel procedures by repealing Chapter 43 performance-based actions, shortening timelines for adverse actions (requiring decisions within 15 business days), and extending probationary periods to 2 years for Senior Executive Service and competitive service employees. It establishes new rules for recouping bonuses from employees who commit misconduct, modifies furlough procedures with specific requirements for emergency furloughs, and creates a process to reduce retirement benefits for employees convicted of felonies related to their official duties. These changes primarily affect federal employees, supervisors, and senior executives in the civil service, with the goal of streamlining personnel management while providing clearer standards for disciplinary actions.