Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB2736

Introduced
4/8/25  

Caption

Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act of 2025

Impact

The enactment of HB 2736 will directly influence the legal landscape regarding public employment and labor relations across various states. It mandates that the Federal Labor Relations Authority will set minimum standards for public sector labor relations, thereby superseding local laws that do not meet these federal guidelines. This could significantly strengthen the bargaining power of public employee unions, allowing them to negotiate better terms without facing restrictions that may be imposed at the state level. Consequently, states that do not substantially provide these rights and procedures as outlined will be subjected to federal oversight.

Summary

House Bill 2736, also known as the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act of 2025, aims to secure the rights of public employees to organize, engage in concerted activities, and bargain collectively with their employers. This legislation acknowledges the importance of collective bargaining in safeguarding public interests and promoting the free flow of commerce. By facilitating organized labor, the bill intends to offer public employees greater power in negotiations regarding their wages and working conditions, thereby enhancing their rights under federal law. The bill emphasizes the need for local and state compliance with specific collective bargaining rights and procedures.

Contention

Despite its potential benefits, HB 2736 has spurred debate among stakeholders. Proponents assert that the bill is crucial for protecting the rights of public employees, which they argue have been historically neglected. In contrast, opponents express concerns over the increased federal oversight on state labor laws, citing fears that it may undermine state autonomy in regulating labor relations. Additionally, the bill's stipulations against lockouts, strikes, and job actions within emergency services may provoke further dissent, as critics worry these provisions could weaken labor rights during critical negotiations.

Congress_id

119-HR-2736

Introduced_date

2025-04-08

Companion Bills

US SB1352

Same As Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act of 2025

Similar Bills

US SB1352

Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act of 2025

US HB8426

Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act of 2024

US SB4363

Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act of 2024

US SB636

Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act

US HB1505

Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act

US SB124

Restore Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability Act of 2025 or the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025This bill modifies personnel action procedures regarding certain employees and executives of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The bill authorizes the VA to remove from civil service, demote, or suspend VA employees that are supervisors or managers if the VA determines by substantial evidence that the performance or misconduct of such individual warrants such action. This authority does not apply to certain appointees or individuals in their probationary or trial period.Supervisors or managers who are subject to a removal, demotion, or suspension under this bill are entitled to (1) advance notice of the action and supporting evidence, (2) representation by an attorney or representative, and (3) grieve the action in accordance with an internal grievance process.The bill also provides protections from removal, demotion, or suspension for supervisor or managers who are whistleblowers or are seeking corrective action for an alleged prohibited personnel practice such as discrimination.The bill also modifies the procedures to remove, demote, or suspend VA employees or senior executives based on performance or misconduct, specifically by requiring the VA to determine by substantial evidence that the performance or misconduct of the individual warrants such removal, demotion, or suspension. Such procedures must apply retroactively, beginning on the date of enactment of the Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017 (June 23, 2017).

US HB472

Restore Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability Act of 2025 or the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025This bill modifies personnel action procedures regarding certain employees and executives of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The bill authorizes the VA to remove from civil service, demote, or suspend VA employees that are supervisors or managers if the VA determines by substantial evidence that the performance or misconduct of such individual warrants such action. This authority does not apply to certain appointees or individuals in their probationary or trial period.Supervisors or managers who are subject to a removal, demotion, or suspension under this bill are entitled to (1) advance notice of the action and supporting evidence, (2) representation by an attorney or representative, and (3) grieve the action in accordance with an internal grievance process.The bill also provides protections from removal, demotion, or suspension for supervisor or managers who are whistleblowers or are seeking corrective action for an alleged prohibited personnel practice such as discrimination.The bill also modifies the procedures to remove, demote, or suspend VA employees or senior executives based on performance or misconduct, specifically by requiring the VA to determine by substantial evidence that the performance or misconduct of the individual warrants such removal, demotion, or suspension. Such procedures must apply retroactively, beginning on the date of enactment of the Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017 (June 23, 2017).

US SB934

American Housing and Economic Mobility Act of 2025 Community Reinvestment Reform Act of 2025