U.S. Labor Department proposes regulations to improve disclosure of fees and expenses to workers with 401(k)–type benefit plans

Archived News Release — Caution: Information may be out of date.

Washington – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a proposed rule that will make it easier for an estimated 65 million participants covered by 401(k)-type plans to make informed retirement savings decisions. The proposal would provide workers with useful summary information, including fee and expense information, for investment options available under their plans.

“Our proposal is consistent with public consensus that workers need clear and concise information, not dozens of pages of ‘legalese,’ about the investment options available under their plans, and that they would benefit greatly from having that information in a comparative format,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. “One of the department’s top priorities is improved disclosure to workers that will give them the information they need to make informed investment decisions.”

The centerpiece of the proposed regulation is a requirement to provide investment-related information in a comparative chart or similar format. As part of the proposal, the department has developed a model chart for complying with this requirement, while giving plan fiduciaries the flexibility to design their own charts or comparative formats. The proposal would also require plan fiduciaries to disclose basic information about the plan and its investment options, such as what options are available under the plan, how to give investment instructions, investment returns and fees and expenses, and how to obtain more detailed information. This information would be given to participants on a regular and periodic basis.

In addition, the department is proposing conforming changes to its regulation under section 404(c) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act.

“We want to help workers make the most of their 401(k)-type plans by ensuring that they are provided the information they need to make wise investment decisions,” said Bradford P. Campbell, assistant secretary for the Labor Department’s Employee Benefits Security Administration.

When finalized, the proposed regulation would be effective for plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2009. Comments on the proposed regulation should be directed to the U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Room N-5655, 200 Constitution Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20210, Attention: Participant Fee Disclosure Project; electronically to e-ORI@dol.gov or via www.regulations.gov. The proposal is scheduled to be published in the July 23, 2008 edition of the Federal Register.

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Archived News Release — Caution: Information may be out of date.