Retirement Rules Slim Down: Old Annuity Pick Gets Tossed

2026-05492 — Retirement Security Rule: Definition of an Investment Advice Fiduciary: Notice of Court Vacatur

The court has canceled the Department of Labor’s 2024 rule that changed who counts as a trusted investment advisor for retirement plans. Starting April 20, 2026, the old rules from 2020 will be back in charge, affecting financial advisors and retirement plan managers. This means advisors should review their practices to stay on the right side of the law and avoid costly mistakes.

2025-14281 — Pooled Employer Plans: Big Plans for Small Businesses

Small businesses get a big boost with new guidance on pooled employer plans (PEPs), which help them offer better, cheaper retirement savings options. The government is asking for feedback to create clear rules that make joining these plans easier and more affordable. Starting soon, these changes aim to save workers money and help small employers attract great employees.

2026-06178 — Fiduciary Duties in Selecting Designated Investment Alternatives

The Department of Labor is proposing new rules to help those in charge of 401(k) plans pick smart investment options, including some alternative assets. This makes it clearer how to act responsibly and safely when choosing these investments, aiming to give more people access to different ways to grow their retirement money. Plan managers and investors should weigh in by June 1, 2026, as these changes could impact how retirement funds are handled and grown.

2026-05165 — Proposed Exemption From Certain Prohibited Transaction Restrictions Involving AT&T Inc. (Together With AT&T Inc.'s Affiliates, AT&T or the Applicant) Located in Dallas, Texas

The Department of Labor is considering a special rule change for AT&T and its affiliates in Dallas, Texas, that would adjust some financial transaction restrictions from 2013 through 2023. This change could affect how AT&T handles certain employee benefit transactions, with a chance for the public to comment or request a hearing by June 17, 2026. If approved, it updates past rules to better fit AT&T’s business needs without harming workers’ benefits.

2026-03827 — Exemption Involving the International Union of Operating Engineers Local Union 627 Training Fund of Oklahoma (the Plan or the Applicant) Located in Oklahoma City, OK

The International Union of Operating Engineers Local 627 Training Fund in Oklahoma City got the green light to borrow money at a low interest rate to buy heavy machinery. This deal, effective February 26, 2026, helps the fund grow while protecting its members’ interests. An independent expert will watch over the loan to keep everything fair and square.

2026-03826 — Exemption Involving the Liberty Latin America 401(k) Savings Plan (the Plan or the Applicant) Located in Denver, CO

The Liberty Latin America 401(k) Plan in Denver got a special green light to buy, hold, and sell certain stock rights from September 10 to 25, 2020. This means plan members could grab these rights for free and either sell them or buy discounted stock, helping their retirement savings. The Department of Labor reviewed and approved this move as fair and safe for everyone involved.

Previous: 2025-11613 — Removal of Interpretive Bulletins Relating to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974

The Department of Labor is cleaning house by removing old rules about employee retirement plans that are no longer needed. This change helps plan sponsors and workers by cutting confusion and making things simpler, with no extra costs or deadlines to worry about. It’s all part of a bigger effort to make life easier by cutting unnecessary government red tape.

Next: 2025-11650 — Removal of Definition of “Plan Assets”-Insurance Company General Accounts

The Department of Labor is removing an old rule about certain insurance policies tied to employee benefit plans from before 1999 because it’s outdated and probably no longer applies. This change helps companies avoid confusion and saves time by cutting unnecessary red tape. If you’re dealing with employee benefit plans, this means less hassle and clearer rules starting now!