News Archive

12 pages. "This roundup highlights noteworthy bipartisan and partisan retirement-related bills pending in Congress, listed in chronological order based on their date of introduction, describing their content and status, and indicating where a more in-depth GRIST on the legislation is available."  MORE >>

"If enacted, this regulation would ensure that critical data on drug utilization, pricing, rebates and PBM business practices are consistently reported to CHIA to enhance transparency, better-informed policy decisions and a more equitable healthcare system."  MORE >>

"[T]he Home Savings Act [HR 7185] ... would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to permit penalty-free withdrawals for up to five years when used for down payments or closing costs on a primary residence."  MORE >>

"[L]egislation aimed at curbing ERISA fiduciaries' consideration of [ESG] factors when selecting plan investments and voting proxies passed the House on Jan. 15  ... The Protecting Prudent Investment of Retirement Savings Act (HR 2988) would also impose new participant notice requirements for defined contribution plans that offer brokerage windows and [would] prohibit fiduciaries from considering diversity criteria when hiring service providers. While Senate approval of the bill this year is unlikely, the Trump administration plans to implement substantially similar changes to ESG investing and proxy voting standards through new regulations."  MORE >>

"[ERISA Litigation Reform Act (HR 6084)] aims to curb meritless class actions by clarifying the pleading standard applicable to ERISA-prohibited transactions claims. The reform effort comes in response to recent litigation trends and the United States Supreme Court's decision in Cunningham v. Cornell last year, which effectively lowered the pleading standard for prohibited transaction claims under ERISA."  MORE >>

"[T]he Protecting Prudent Investment of Retirement Savings Act (HR 2988) ... would significantly restrict the consideration of non‑pecuniary factors in retirement plan investing.... It would also impose new nondiscrimination rules for service provider selection, tighten fiduciary obligations with respect to proxy voting, and require enhanced disclosures for brokerage windows."  MORE >>

"[The PBM Fiduciary Accountability, Integrity, and Reform (FAIR) Act (S 3549)] would amend ERISA to treat [PBMs] as fiduciaries when providing services to employer-sponsored group health plans. If enacted, the legislation would impose fiduciary duties, require detailed compensation disclosures, and restrict contractual indemnification provisions that shift fiduciary risk to plans. Employers may gain increased transparency into PBM compensation structures, but should expect potential changes to PBM contracting practices and service models."  MORE >>

"The sustainability of Social Security and the adequacy of retirement income are pressing concerns that SECURE 3.0 might address. A major anticipated component of any future SECURE 3.0 is an increased emphasis on lifetime income solutions.... While defined contribution plans like 401k plans have largely replaced defined benefit pensions, some policymakers are pushing for a middle ground incorporating features of both systems.... The new legislation could also focus on accessibility and simplicity in retirement plan management."  MORE >>