HR-4182 : Still Just a Bill

Ensuring a Qualified Civil Service Act of 2017 or the EQUALS Act of 2017

This bill requires the probationary period before an appointment in the competitive civil service or an initial appointment as a supervisor or manager becomes final to last for two years. The two-year probationary period applies to any position that requires formal training or a license, and any other position not requiring formal training or a license.

Each agency must ensure that: (1) an announcement of a vacant position and an offer of appointment clearly state the terms and conditions of the probationary period, (2) an individual who is required to complete a probationary period receives timely notice of requirements to successfully complete the probationary period, (3) a supervisor or manager of an individual who is required to complete the probationary period receives notification not less than 30 days before the end of the probationary period, and (4) certification of such successful completion is made.

The bill increases from one to two years: (1) the probationary period after which an individual's appointment as a career appointee in the Senior Executive Service becomes final, and (2) the continuous employment requirement for coverage under adverse action procedures for misconduct.

Action Timeline

Action DateTypeTextSource
2017-12-01IntroReferralReceived in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.Senate
2017-11-30FloorMotion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.House floor actions
2017-11-30VoteOn passage Passed by recorded vote: 213 - 204 (Roll no. 648).House floor actions
2017-11-30FloorThe House adopted the amendment as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.House floor actions
2017-11-30FloorThe previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.House floor actions
2017-11-30FloorThe House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 4182.House floor actions
2017-11-30FloorUNFINISHED BUSINESS - The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on adoption of amendments, which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.House floor actions
2017-11-30FloorPOSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on the Connolly amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Connolly demanded a recorded vote, and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.House floor actions
2017-11-30FloorDEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 635, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Connolly amendment no. 4.House floor actions
2017-11-30FloorDEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 635, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Gianforte amendment no. 3, as modified.House floor actions
2017-11-30FloorPOSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on the Hastings amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Comer demanded a recorded vote, and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.House floor actions
2017-11-30FloorDEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 635, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Hastings amendment no. 1.House floor actions
2017-11-30FloorGENERAL DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 4182.House floor actions
2017-11-30FloorThe Speaker designated the Honorable Michael K. Simpson to act as Chairman of the Committee.House floor actions
2017-11-30FloorHouse resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 635 and Rule XVIII.House floor actions
2017-11-30FloorRule provides for consideration of H.R. 4182 and H.R. 1699. Resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 4182 under a structured rule, with one hour of general debate, and one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Resolution also provides for consideration of H.R. 1699 under a closed rule, with one hour of general debate, and one motion to recommit with or without instructions.House floor actions
2017-11-30FloorConsidered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 635. (consideration: CR H9547-9559; text of measure as reported in House: CR H9553-9554)House floor actions
2017-11-29FloorRules Committee Resolution H. Res. 635 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 4182 and H.R. 1699. Resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 4182 under a structured rule, with one hour of general debate, and one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Resolution also provides for consideration of H.R. 1699 under a closed rule, with one hour of general debate, and one motion to recommit with or without instructions.House floor actions
2017-11-28CommitteeSupplemental report filed by the Committee on Oversight and Government, H. Rept. 115-415, Part II.House floor actions
2017-11-16CalendarsPlaced on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 307.House floor actions
2017-11-16CommitteeReported by the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. H. Rept. 115-415.House floor actions
2017-11-02CommitteeOrdered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 19 - 17.House committee actions
2017-11-02CommitteeCommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.House committee actions
2017-10-31IntroReferralReferred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.House floor actions
2017-10-31IntroReferralIntroduced in HouseLibrary of Congress

Policy Area :

Government Operations and Politics
See Subjects
  • Administrative law and regulatory procedures
  • Administrative remedies
  • Federal officials
  • Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management
  • Employee performance
  • Office of Personnel Management (OPM)

Related Bills

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