Dr. Chris Kirkpatrick Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017

Dr. Chris Kirkpatrick Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017 TITLE I--EMPLOYEES GENERALLY (Sec. 102) This bill directs federal agencies (excluding any entity that is an element of the intelligence community) to give priority to an employee transfer request if the Merit Systems Protections Board (MSPB) grants a stay of a personnel action at the request of: (1) the Office of Special Counsel (OSC) if the OSC determines the personnel action was taken, or is to be taken, as a result of a prohibited personnel practice; or (2) the employee if the individual is in probationary status and seeks corrective action. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) shall report to Congress on retaliation against employees in probationary status. (Sec. 103) The bill prohibits any employee who has the authority to take, direct others to take, recommend, or approve of any personnel action to access the medical records of another employee or applicant for employment. (Sec. 104) Agencies employing a supervisor who has committed a prohibited personnel action may propose: (1) a suspension of not less than three days, (2) a reduction in grade or pay, and (3) removal from the position. A supervisor must receive written notice specifying the reasons for the proposed action and the right of the supervisor to review the material which is relied on to support the reasons for the proposed action. A supervisor is…

Congressional Research Service · 2017-10-26