# Reduction in Force Appeals

**Action Urgency Score:** 55/100

| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Personnel Management Office |
| Type | Final rule |
| Action | Final rule. |
| Published | 2026-08-03 |
| Effective | 2026-09-02 |
| Significant | Yes (EO 12866) |
| CFR parts | 5 CFR 351 |
| Summary | The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is issuing final regulations to revise how an employee may appeal a furlough of more than 30 days, separation, or demotion by a reduction-in-force (RIF) action. OPM will replace the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) as the adjudicative agency for such appeals. The rule establishes a uniform, record-based OPM appeal process; clarifies the appellant's burden; requires production of the complete agency record; preserves collateral statutory remedies; and applies prospectively to improve timeliness, consistency, and cost-effectiveness while maintaining  |
| Document number | 2026-15666 |

## Why this score
- Significant rule under EO 12866.
- Final rule.

Source: Federal Register API (Office of the Federal Register) (https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/03/2026-15666/reduction-in-force-appeals). Last refreshed: 2026-11-04T09:17:43.641Z.
Data from the Federal Register API; the published Federal Register document is authoritative. Informational only, not legal advice.