Bill Summary
This legislation, known as the "Telework for U.S. Innovation Act," amends title 5 of the United States Code to make permanent the authority of the United States Patent and Trademark Office to conduct a telework travel expenses program. This program allows employees of the Patent and Trademark Office to work remotely and receive reimbursement for travel expenses related to their work. The Act also requires the Director of the Patent and Trademark Office to submit an annual report to Congress on the costs and benefits of the program and its effectiveness. This legislation was passed by the Senate on December 8, 2020.
Possible Impacts
1. This legislation may affect individuals who work for the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) by allowing them to participate in a telework travel expenses program. This could impact employees who have to travel for work, as they may now be able to receive financial assistance for their travel expenses.
2. This legislation may also affect taxpayers, as they will now be responsible for funding the telework travel expenses program for USPTO employees. This could lead to an increase in taxes or a reallocation of funds from other programs.
3. This legislation may also have an impact on the innovation and productivity of the USPTO. With the option to participate in a telework program, employees may have more flexibility and a better work-life balance, which could result in increased job satisfaction and overall performance. This could potentially lead to more efficient and effective work at the USPTO.
[Congressional Bills 116th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 4138 Engrossed in Senate (ES)]
<DOC>
116th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. 4138
_______________________________________________________________________
AN ACT
To amend title 5, United States Code, to make permanent the authority
of the United States Patent and Trademark Office to conduct a telework
travel expenses program.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Telework for U.S. Innovation Act''.
SEC. 2. TELEWORK TRAVEL EXPENSES PROGRAM OF THE UNITED STATES PATENT
AND TRADEMARK OFFICE.
(a) In General.--Section 5711 of title 5, United States Code, is
amended--
(1) in the section heading, by striking ``test'';
(2) in subsection (f)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in the matter preceding subparagraph
(A), by striking ``committee'' and inserting
``committees''; and
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking
``Government'';
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) by striking ``test''; and
(ii) by striking ``section , including the
provision of reports in accordance with
subsection (d)(1)'' and inserting
``subsection'';
(C) in paragraph (4)(B), in the matter preceding
clause (i), by inserting ``and maintain'' after
``develop''; and
(D) in paragraph (5)--
(i) in subparagraph (A), by striking
``test''; and
(ii) by striking subparagraph (B) and
inserting the following:
``(B) The Director of the Patent and Trademark Office shall prepare
and submit to the appropriate committees of Congress an annual report
on the operation of the program under this subsection, which shall
include--
``(i) the costs and benefits of the program; and
``(ii) an analysis of the effectiveness of the program, as
determined under criteria developed by the Director.''; and
(3) in subsection (g), by striking ``this section'' and
inserting ``subsection (b)''.
(b) Technical and Conforming Amendments.--The table of sections for
subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code, is amended
by striking the item relating to section 5711 and inserting the
following:
``5711. Authority for telework travel expenses programs.''.
Passed the Senate December 8, 2020.
Attest:
Secretary.
116th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. 4138
_______________________________________________________________________
AN ACT
To amend title 5, United States Code, to make permanent the authority
of the United States Patent and Trademark Office to conduct a telework
travel expenses program.