Restoring Administrative Law Judges to Competitive Service: New Employment Rules
This act restores administrative law judges to the competitive service, meaning their employment will follow more standardized and competitive procedures. These changes aim to enhance the independence and qualifications of judges, potentially impacting the fairness and efficiency of administrative cases affecting citizens.
Key points
Administrative law judges will be appointed based on examinations and qualification assessments by the Office of Personnel Management, ensuring the selection of the best candidates.
A minimum of 7 years of legal experience and a law license will be required, raising qualification standards for these positions.
Administrative law judges will report directly to the head of the agency or the chief administrative law judge, aiming to protect their judicial independence.
Individuals currently serving as administrative law judges will be automatically converted to competitive service, with an exception for those appointed during a specific period after 2018.
Expired
Additional Information
Print number: 118_HR_7225
Sponsor: Rep. Connolly, Gerald E. [D-VA-11]
Process start date: 2024-02-05