"In addition to introducing self-correction, EBSA has made other improvements to VFCP, including: [1] Expanded correction options for prohibited loan transactions and prohibited purchase and sale transactions; [2] Extending relief from transactions involving a prohibited sale and leaseback of real estate to covers eligible transactions with affiliates of the plan sponsor; and [3] Allowing VFCP applications to address violations across more than one plan in a single submission."  MORE >>

"[W]hile it remains to be seen whether -- and to what extent -- this ESOP guidance may be rereleased or reissued ... the January Proposal was the first formal indication in nearly 40 years of the DOL's position on the determination of fair market value of private company stock.... [T]here may still be some value in understanding the guidance, if only to be prepared for the next effort undertaken by the DOL."  MORE >>

"There was initially some buzz around these new SECURE provisions to help employees balance the need for access to funds in an emergency and saving for the future. However, to date there has been little take up of these provisions or providing an ESA outside of the plan. No respondents to last week's QOTW are providing a PLESA, though 13 percent are currently considering it."  MORE >>

"The Women’s Retirement Protection Act of 2025 (WRPA) [S 988] would ... [extend] critical protections to women’s retirement security and [provide] enhanced tools to ensure women can better prepare for retirement: [1] Strengthen consumer protections to safeguard retirement savings ...  [2] Increase financial literacy ... [3] Provide assistance to help certain women obtain qualified domestic relations orders." [Also available:  Bill Text and Fact Sheet]  MORE >>

19 pages. "[Public sector plans] operate under fiduciary rules determined at the state level, which introduce unique governance responsibilities for each plan sponsor. This state-based governance means that, while many public sector plans voluntarily follow ERISA standards, they must still adhere to state-specific guidelines and nuances, which vary across jurisdictions. This guide provides broad information on governance structures and mechanisms that help plan sponsors manage their plans effectively."  MORE >>

"While equity market returns have been favorable, long-term interest rates remain the primary driver of DB plan liability values. Small fluctuations can significantly impact liabilities, making investment strategies that match the characteristics of the liabilities important for mitigating risk.... A well-structured liability-driven investing (LDI) strategy can help stabilize long-term financial outcomes."  MORE >>

"In March, the average duration 7 annuity purchase interest rate and the average duration 15 rate were almost neck and neck at 4.70% and 4.71% respectively. The first two months of 2025 saw a steady upward trend in annuity purchase interest rates. [March saw] the first decline of the year at roughly a 23-basis point decrease since the prior month for both rates."  MORE >>

"[I]ndividuals and businesses in parts of West Virginia affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, landslides and mudslides that began on Feb. 15, 2025 ... now have until Nov. 3, 2025, to file various federal individual and business tax returns and make tax payments.... Currently, individuals and households that reside or have a business in Logan, McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, Wayne and Wyoming counties qualify for tax relief."  MORE >>

"[R]ecent federal appeals court decisions highlight some limits on enforcement of commercial contracts' arbitration provisions, especially when it comes to employee benefit plans.... [It] is appropriate to demand that plan participants promise to arbitrate any disputes the participants may have with an employee benefit plan and its trustees and sponsors. It is also appropriate for the plan to limit any such arbitration to individual claims."  MORE >>

"[ERISA's] broad venue provision gives plaintiffs multiple options for where to file suit. Participants and beneficiaries gain flexibility to choose locations that offer convenience or strategic advantages.... ERISA's statutory venue provision offers breadth. However, forum-selection clauses can limit where participants may file by requiring a specific court or location to hear the case."  MORE >>