S. 971 — Introduced in Senate

II 116th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 971 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES April 1, 2019Ms. Smith introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs A BILL To amend title 5, United States Code, to clarify that during a lapse in appropriations certain services relating to the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program are excepted services under the Anti-Deficiency Act, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Ensuring FEHBP Coverage During Shutdowns Act. 2. Designating certain FEHBP-related services as excepted services under the Anti-Deficiency Act (a) In general Section 8905 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: (i) In the event of a lapse in appropriations, the Director of the Office of Personnel Management shall designate any officer or employee who performs services relating to enrolling individuals in a health benefits plan under this chapter, or changing the enrollment of an individual already so enrolled due to a qualifying life event, as an excepted employee (as defined in section 1341(c) of title 31). . (b) Application The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply to any lapse in appropriations beginning on or after the date of enactment of this Act.