Authority to convert certain overseas limited appointments to permanent appointments

(a)

In general

Notwithstanding chapter 33 of title 5, United States Code, or any other provision of law relating to the examination, certification, and appointment of individuals in the competitive service, the Commissioner may convert an employee serving under an overseas limited appointment within U.S. Customs and Border Protection to a permanent appointment in the competitive service within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, if— (1)as of the time of conversion, the employee has completed at least 2 years of current continuous service under 1 or more overseas limited appointments; and (2)the employee’s performance has, throughout the period of continuous service referred to in paragraph (1), been rated at least fully successful or the equivalent.

An employee whose appointment is converted under the preceding sentence acquires competitive status upon conversion.

(b)

Indemnification and privileges

(1)

Indemnification

The United States shall, in the case of any individual whose appointment is converted under subsection (a), indemnify and hold such individual harmless from any claim arising from any event, act, or omission— (A)that arises from the exercise of such individual’s official duties, including by reason of such individual’s residency status, in the foreign country in which such individual resides at the time of conversion; (B)for which the individual would not have been liable had the individual enjoyed the same privileges and immunities in the foreign country as an individual who either was a permanent employee, or was not a permanent resident, in the foreign country at the time of the event, act, or omission involved; and (C)that occurs before, on, or after the date of the enactment of this Act,

including any claim for taxes owed to the foreign country or a subdivision thereof.

(2)

Services and payments

(A)

In general

In the case of any individual whose appointment is converted under subsection (a), the United States shall provide to such individual (including any dependents) services and monetary payments— (i)equivalent to the services and monetary payments provided to other U.S. Customs and Border Protection employees in similar positions (and their dependents) in the same country of assignment by international agreement, an exchange of notes, or other diplomatic policy; and (ii)for which such individual (including any dependents) was not eligible by reason of such individual’s overseas limited appointment. (B)

Applicability

Services and payments under this paragraph shall be provided to an individual (including any dependents) to the same extent and in the same manner as if such individual had held a permanent appointment in the competitive service throughout the period described in subsection (a)(1). (c)

Guidance on implementation

The Commissioner shall implement the conversion of an employee serving under an overseas limited appointment to a permanent appointment in the competitive service in a manner that— (1)meets the operational needs of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection; and (2)to the greatest extent practicable, is not disruptive to the employees affected under this Act.