Final Rule Issued to Facilitate State-Run IRA Programs.

The Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) has made public a final rule that assists states in creating IRA programs for workers who do not have access to workplace savings arrangements. At the same time, in response to public comments, the department is making public a proposed rule that could facilitate a limited number of cities and other local governments to do the same. “For workers without access to savings arrangements through their employers, this rule means a new way to secure their financial futures,” said Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez. “More access to retirement investments equals more saving and a bigger piece of the American dream for workers and families in the decades ahead.” (The EBSA is part of the Department of Labor.) Eight states have already enacted legislation to create retirement savings programs for private-sector workers.  Most of those laws require employers that do not offer workplace savings arrangements to automatically enroll their employees in payroll deduction IRAs administered by the states, while other state laws create a marketplace of retirement savings options geared at employers that do not offer workplace plans. Although other states are considering similar measures, uncertainty over the application of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act’s (ERISA's) preemption provisions has proven to be a roadblock to broader adoption of such programs. The final rule provides guidance for states in designing programs by providing a safe harbor from ERISA coverage to reduce the risk of ERISA preemption of the relevant state laws. Importantly, the rule also protects worker rights by ensuring they have the ability to opt out of auto-enrollment arrangements. The rule will go into effect 60 days after its publication in the Federal Register. The proposal to expand the safe harbor to include a limited number of larger cities and counties in response to comments received from members of the public will be open for 30 days of public comment after its publication in the Federal Register.