Federal Relocation Payment Improvement Act

This bill permanently authorizes all federal agencies to pay employees' relocation expenses using lump-sum payments rather than reimbursements for expenses incurred.

Under current law, several federal agencies currently participate in a pilot program that allows the agencies to pay relocation expenses using lump-sum payments rather than reimbursements. This bill expands the program by permanently authorizing all federal agencies to pay employees who relocate in the interest of the government a one-time, lump-sum relocation payment instead of any payment otherwise authorized or required for such purposes.

The bill directs the General Services Administration to issue regulations to implement this bill, including regulations establishing (1) when agencies may authorize a one-time, lump sum payment under this bill or the payments otherwise authorized or required by law; (2) how agencies will calculate the lump-sum amount; and (3) the process for employees to dispute and appeal agency decisions.