Retirement Plan Reform Might Actually Get Out of Conference Committee

After missing several self-imposed deadlines, conference committee leaders say that legislation to reform retirement plans might actually get reported back to the House and Senate for a final vote very soon. No details have emerged yet on what provisions of special interest to employee ownership companies will be included (these issues include diversification options for company stock in public company 401(k) plans and KSOPs, shortening the maximum allowable vesting period, and making permanent the increased allocation limits passed in 2001). It is still uncertain whether the compromise can be passed by the two houses and signed by the president this year.