U.S. FEDRegulation
OPM aligns title 5 FMLA rules with 2021 and 2023 statutory amendments in direct final rule
The Office of Personnel Management issued a direct final rule revising its title 5 Family and Medical Leave Act regulations in 5 CFR part 630, subpart L, to incorporate statutory amendments enacted in January 2021 and December 2023. The rule was published October 15, 2026, at 91 FR 65437 and takes effect December 14, 2026, unless significant adverse comments arrive by November 16, 2026.
Key points
- Agencies count virtually all federal civilian service and certain honorable active military service toward the 12-month FMLA eligibility requirement.Federal Register
- Employees may substitute annual or sick leave provided under an authority outside title 5 for unpaid FMLA leave.Federal Register
- Title 5 FMLA regulations do not apply to Veterans Health Administration employees covered by a leave system under 38 U.S.C. 7421.Federal Register
- The eligibility changes also govern paid parental leave, which substitutes for unpaid FMLA leave.Federal Register
- The rule carries RIN 3206-AP18 and Docket ID OPM-2026-0463.Federal Register
Sources1 article across 1 outlet
Federal Register