Women's Retirement Protection Act
Sponsored By: Representative Underwood, Lauren [D-IL-14]
Introduced
Summary
Expanded spousal consent protections for retirement accounts would require a spouse's written, witnessed approval for many withdrawals, beneficiary changes, and certain rollovers. The bill would align Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) rules with the tax code, and fund consumer information, financial literacy initiatives, and grants focused on women's retirement security.
Show full summary
- Women, survivors, and families: Would make it harder for one spouse to move or drain defined contribution plan assets without the other spouse's consent. The bill also creates grants to help low-income women and survivors of domestic violence obtain qualified domestic relations orders, with each grant at least $250,000.
- Workers with defined contribution plans: Plans would be required to follow a specific written consent process that includes an explanation to the spouse, timing and witness rules, and coordinated tax-treatment for rollovers. The measure creates or expands a private right of action under ERISA for violations of these consent rules.
- Employers and plan administrators: Would need to amend plan documents and follow transition and implementation timing set in the statute to comply with the new consent and tax-alignment rules.
*It would authorize $100 million annually starting in fiscal year 2026 for the QDRO assistance grants, increasing federal spending.*
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Help for women with retirement orders
If enacted, the Department of Labor would fund groups that help low-income women and survivors of domestic violence get and enforce court orders that split retirement benefits. Grants would be at least $250,000 each. The bill authorizes $100 million each year starting in fiscal year 2026. Funds could cover help to prepare QDROs and make sure benefits are paid.
Spousal consent for retirement withdrawals
If enacted, most 401(k)-style plans would need your spouse’s written, witnessed OK before certain payouts or beneficiary changes. For payouts, consent would generally be signed in the 90 days before payment. Plans would also have to give you a written notice of your and your spouse’s rights. Some exceptions would apply, including required minimum distributions and one small withdrawal under 25% of the account, once. The rule would start for plan years beginning one year after enactment, and plans would have up to three years to amend rules (five for government plans).
Retirement offers must link to consumer info
If enacted, companies offering retirement financial products would need to include a link to a federal website with unbiased planning information. The Financial Literacy and Education Commission would publish the link and how it should appear. This requirement would begin upon enactment.
Financial coaching for women's retirement
If enacted, the Department of Labor would give grants to teach money and retirement planning to women. Grants would be at least $250,000. The bill authorizes $100 million each year starting in fiscal year 2026. Programs could include classes, outreach, and one‑on‑one counseling.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Underwood, Lauren [D-IL-14]
IL • D
Cosponsors
Bonamici
OR • D
Sponsored 3/11/2025
Schakowsky
IL • D
Sponsored 3/11/2025
Norcross
NJ • D
Sponsored 3/11/2025
Rep. McIver, LaMonica [D-NJ-10]
NJ • D
Sponsored 3/11/2025
Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large]
DC • D
Sponsored 3/11/2025
Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12]
MI • D
Sponsored 3/11/2025
Grijalva
AZ • D
Sponsored 3/11/2025
Pingree
ME • D
Sponsored 3/11/2025
Rep. Lee, Summer L. [D-PA-12]
PA • D
Sponsored 3/14/2025
Rep. McClain Delaney, April [D-MD-6]
MD • D
Sponsored 3/21/2025
McGovern
MA • D
Sponsored 3/21/2025
Rep. Carbajal, Salud O. [D-CA-24]
CA • D
Sponsored 4/7/2025
Rep. Sykes, Emilia Strong [D-OH-13]
OH • D
Sponsored 7/25/2025
Haridopolos
FL • R
Sponsored 8/26/2025
Rescom. Hernández, Pablo Jose [D-PR-At Large]
PR • D
Sponsored 12/18/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov