Obama signs telework expansion act

President Barack Obama signed into law legislation aimed at increasing telework in the federal government.

Under the 2010 Telework Enhancement Act (H.R. 1722), agencies will have 180 days to establish a policy on working outside the office, identify eligible employees and inform them of the option. The law also requires agencies to name an official to manage telework programs, and incorporate the policy into plans for continuing essential services during natural disasters or other emergencies.

The House passed the final version of the measure in mid-November, after a heated debate in which a number of Republicans argued it was too costly and would create extra bureaucracy. Some members also were upset that the Senate had stripped out oversight provisions the House approved in July. The new law now requires the Government Accountability Office and the Office of Personnel Management to periodically evaluate telework progress.