Promoting Transparent Standards for Corporate Insiders Act

To require the Securities and Exchange Commission to carry out a study of Rule 10b5–1 trading plans, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Promoting Transparent Standards for Corporate Insiders Act 2. SEC study (a) Definitions In this section— (1) the term Commission (2) the term Rule 10b5–1 (3) the term trading plan (b) Study (1) In general The Commission shall carry out a study of whether Rule 10b5–1 should be amended to— (A) limit the ability of issuers and issuer insiders to adopt a trading plan to a period during which the issuer or issuer insider, as applicable, is permitted to buy or sell securities during issuer-adopted trading windows; (B) limit the ability of issuers and issuer insiders to adopt multiple trading plans; (C) establish a mandatory delay during the period beginning on the date on which a trading plan is adopted and ending on the date on which the first trade is executed under such a plan; (D) with respect to a delay established under subparagraph (C), and depending on the findings of the Commission under subparagraph (A)— (i) impose the same delay for trading plans adopted during an issuer-adopted trading window as opposed to outside of such a window; and (ii) provide an exception to such a delay; (E) limit the frequency with which issuers and issuer insiders may modify or cancel trading plans; (F) require issuers and issuer insiders to file with the Commission any adoption of, amendment to, termination of, and transaction under a trading plan; or (G) require the board of directors of an issuer that has adopted a trading plan to— (i) adopt policies governing trading plan practices; (ii) periodically monitor transactions made under the trading plan; and (iii) ensure that the policies of the issuer discuss the use of the trading plan in the context of guidelines or requirements with respect to equity hedging, holding, and ownership. (2) Additional considerations In carrying out the study required under paragraph (1), the Commission shall consider, with respect to each amendment considered by the Commission under that paragraph— (A) how the amendment may clarify and enhance existing prohibitions against insider trading; (B) the impact that the amendment may have on the ability of an issuer to attract a person to become an issuer insider; (C) the impact that the amendment may have on capital formation; (D) the impact that the amendment may have on the willingness of an issuer to operate as a public company; and (E) any other consideration that the Commission considers necessary and appropriate for the protection of investors. (c) Report Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commission shall submit to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives a report that contains all findings and determinations made in carrying out the study required under subsection (b). (d) Rulemaking Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commission shall, subject to public notice and comment, amend Rule 10b5–1 in a manner that is consistent with the results of the study required under subsection (b).

Summary: Promoting Transparent Standards for Corporate Insiders Act This bill directs the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to study and report on possible revisions to regulations regarding Rule 10b5-1 trading plans. (Such plans allow certain employees of publicly traded corporations to sell their shares without violating insider trading prohibitions.) The SEC must revise regulations consistent with the results of the study.