Source: https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2014/05/05/2014-09628/political-activity-state-or-local-officers-or-employees-federal-employees-residing-in-designated
Timestamp: 2015-11-30 11:39:53
Document Index: 104255383

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 733', 'art 734', 'art 733', '§ 308', 'art 733', '§ 506', '§ 506', 'art 733', '§ 151', '§ 151', '§ 151', 'art 733', '§ 733', '§ 733', '§ 733', '§ 733', '§ 734', '§ 734', '§ 734', '§ 734', '§ 734', '§ 734']

Dates: This rule is effective June 4, 2014.
-25486 (4 pages)
Document Number: 2014-09628
Shorter URL: https://federalregister.gov/a/2014-09628 Related Topics
A Federal employee labor organization commented on the proposed revision of OPM regulatory provisions concerning individuals employed in the positions and agencies listed in 5 U.S.C. 7323(b)(2) and (3). The labor organization noted that 5 CFR 733.102 specifically excludes from 5 CFR part 733 employees (except individuals appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate) in the Criminal Division and the National Security Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. The labor organization further noted, however, that 5 CFR 734.401 (14) and (15) includes the Criminal Division and the National Security Division, respectively, within 5 CFR part 734, subpart D. The labor organization wanted to know whether or not this was an oversight and whether the employees excluded from part 733 may run for nonpartisan office.
On January 6, 1996, Congress amended 5 U.S.C. 7325, the statutory provision concerning the political activity of federal employees residing in designated localities. The amendment authorized OPM to permit employees covered under 5 U.S.C. 7323(b)(2) to participate in the local partisan elections of the designated localities specified in 5 CFR 733. Public Law 104-93, § 308, 109 Stat. 961, 966. The amendment, however, did not provide for employees covered under 5 U.S.C. 7323(b)(3), i.e. the Criminal Division of the Department of Justice. In addition, the legislative history of this amendment did not include anything establishing that Congress intended to extend the coverage of the amendment to Criminal Division employees. Consequently, OPM issued regulations permitting employees covered under 5 U.S.C. 7323(b)(2) and residing in a designated locality to participate as independent candidates in the local elections of that locality (63 FR 4555, January 30, 1998). Except for employees appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, as specified in 5 U.S.C. 7323(b)(3), OPM regulations continued to exclude employees in the Criminal Division of the Department of Justice from 5 CFR part 733 (63 FR 4559).
On March 9, 2006, Congress established the National Security Division in the Department of Justice, Public Law 109-77, § 506(b)(1), 120 Stat. 192, 248-49, and included the National Security Division under 5 U.S.C. 7323(b)(3), rather than under section 7323(b)(2). Public Law 109-77, § 506(b)(2), 120 Stat. 192, 249. The legislative history of section 506(b)(2) is silent concerning the political participation of employees in the National Security Division. However, it is clear from the history of 5 U.S.C. 7323(b)(3) and the accompanying regulatory provisions that, Congress had several opportunities to permit the employees described in 5 U.S.C. 7323(b)(3) to engage in the same level of political participation as employees covered under section 7323(b)(2), but Congress did not do so. Therefore, except for employees appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, OPM has excluded from 5 CFR part 733 employees in the National Security Division of the Department of Justice and continues to exclude employees in the Criminal Division.
E.O. 12866, Federal Regulation Back to Top
2.In 151.101, paragraphs (b) and (d) are revised to read as follows: § 151.101 Definitions.
3.In 151.121, paragraph (c) is revised to read as follows: § 151.121 Use of official authority; coercion; candidacy; prohibitions.
4.In 151.122, paragraph (c) is revised to read as follows: § 151.122 Candidacy; exceptions.
1.The authority citation for part 733 is revised to read as follows: Authority:
2.In 733.101, the definitions of Employee and On duty are revised to read as follows: § 733.101 Definitions.
3.Section 733.102 is revised to read as follows: § 733.102 Exclusion of employees in the Criminal Division and National Security Division of the United States Department of Justice.
4.In 733.105, paragraph (a) is revised to read as follows: § 733.105 Permitted Political Activities—employees who reside in designated localities and are employed in certain agencies and positions.
5.In 733.107, paragraph (a) is revised to read as follows: § 733.107 Designated localities.
2.In 734.101, the definitions of Employee, Employing office, and On duty are revised to read as follows: § 734.101 Definitions.
3.In 734.102, paragraphs (a) and (b) are revised to read as follows: § 734.102 Jurisdiction.
(3) By fax on (202) 254-3700; or (4) By email at Hatchact@osc.gov.
4.In 734.203, paragraph (d) is revised to read as follows: § 734.203 Participation in nonpartisan activities.
5.In 734.305, paragraph (c) is revised to read as follows: § 734.305 Soliciting or discouraging the political participation of certain persons.
6.In 734.401, paragraph (a) is revised to read as follows: § 734.401 Coverage.
7.In 734.502, paragraph (b) is revised to read as follows: § 734.502 Participation in political activity while on duty, in uniform, in any room or building occupied in the discharge of official duties, or using a Federal vehicle.