Source: https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title29-chapter18-subchapter1-node551-part5&saved=%7CKHRpdGxlOjI5IHNlY3Rpb246MTEzMiBlZGl0aW9uOnByZWxpbSk%3D%7C%7C%7C0%7Cfalse%7Cprelim&edition=prelim
Timestamp: 2019-08-22 16:39:53
Document Index: 698708257

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 5', 'art 5', 'art 5', '§1131', 'art 1', '§501', '§904', '§6601', '§1132', 'arts 2', '§502', '§306', '§10002', '§9342', '§2101', '§7881', '§12012', '§4301', '§2', '§761', '§101', '§603', '§1503', '§306', '§102', '§103', '§202', '§502', '§902', '§101', '§101', '§311', '§102', '§111', '§491', '§7891', '§101', '§1', '§1', '§911', '§311', '§101', '§311', '§101', '§101', '§102', '§101', '§102', '§101', '§202', '§202', '§508', '§902', '§502', '§502', '§103', '§507', '§202', '§103', '§102', '§104', '§306', '§306', '§1503', '§1503', '§101', '§101', '§101', '§101', '§2', '§3', '§4301', '§4301', '§4301', '§12012', '§12012', '§7881', '§2101', '§7894', '§7881', '§7881', '§7891', '§2101', '§9342', '§9344', '§306', '§306', '§101', '§5', '§2101', '§9302', '§9342', '§101', '§4', '§1133', '§503', '§504', '§7891', '§6607', '§1135', '§505', '§11018', '§1136', 'art 7', '§506', '§805', '§101', '§603', '§250', '§241', '§1137', '§507', '§7891', '§1138', '§508', '§1139', '§509', '§1140', '§510', '§205', '§301', '§111', '§1141', '§511', '§623', '§623', '§1142', '§512', '§4', '§1143', '§513', '§1143', '§11016', '§514', '§301', '§104', '§9503', '§7894', '§4301', '§101', '§603', '§401', '§902', '§1396', '§401', '§4301', '§401', '§7894', 'arts 1', '§301', '§401', '§7894', '§7894', '§9503', '§301', '§301', '§1144', '§2', '§1', '§1145', '§515', '§306', '§1146', '§516', '§3', '§2', '§1147', '§517', '§4', '§401', '§1148', '§518', '§112', '§1149', '§519', '§6601', '§1150', '§520', '§6604', '§3901', '§1151', '§521', '§6605']

[USC02] 29 USC CHAPTER 18, SUBCHAPTER I, misc, part 5: administration and enforcement
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29 USC CHAPTER 18, SUBCHAPTER I, misc, part 5: administration and enforcement
§1131. Criminal penalties
(a) Any person who willfully violates any provision of part 1 of this subtitle, or any regulation or order issued under any such provision, shall upon conviction be fined not more than $100,000 or imprisoned not more than 10 years, or both; except that in the case of such violation by a person not an individual, the fine imposed upon such person shall be a fine not exceeding $500,000.
(b) Any person that violates section 1149 of this title shall upon conviction be imprisoned not more than 10 years or fined under title 18, or both.
(Pub. L. 93–406, title I, §501, Sept. 2, 1974, 88 Stat. 891; Pub. L. 107–204, title IX, §904, July 30, 2002, 116 Stat. 805; Pub. L. 111–148, title VI, §6601(b), Mar. 23, 2010, 124 Stat. 779.)
2002—Pub. L. 107–204 substituted "$100,000" for "$5,000", "10 years" for "one year", and "$500,000" for "$100,000".
§1132. Civil enforcement
(10) in the case of a multiemployer plan that has been certified by the actuary to be in endangered or critical status under section 1085 of this title, if the plan sponsor—
(1) In the case of a plan which is qualified under section 401(a), 403(a), or 405(a) 2 of title 26 (or with respect to which an application to so qualify has been filed and has not been finally determined) the Secretary may exercise his authority under subsection (a)(5) with respect to a violation of, or the enforcement of, parts 2 and 3 of this subtitle (relating to participation, vesting, and funding), only if—
(8) The Secretary may assess against any plan sponsor of a multiemployer plan a civil penalty of not more than $1,100 per day—
(9)(A) The Secretary may assess a civil penalty against any employer of up to $100 a day from the date of the employer's failure to meet the notice requirement of section 1181(f)(3)(B)(i)(I) of this title. For purposes of this subparagraph, each violation with respect to any single employee shall be treated as a separate violation.
(10) Secretarial enforcement authority relating to use of genetic information.—
(A) General rule.—The Secretary may impose a penalty against any plan sponsor of a group health plan, or any health insurance issuer offering health insurance coverage in connection with the plan, for any failure by such sponsor or issuer to meet the requirements of subsection (a)(1)(F), (b)(3), (c), or (d) of section 1182 of this title or section 1181 or 1182(b)(1) of this title with respect to genetic information, in connection with the plan.
(B) Amount.—
(i) In general.—The amount of the penalty imposed by subparagraph (A) shall be $100 for each day in the noncompliance period with respect to each participant or beneficiary to whom such failure relates.
(ii) Noncompliance period.—For purposes of this paragraph, the term "noncompliance period" means, with respect to any failure, the period—
(C) Minimum penalties where failure discovered.—Notwithstanding clauses (i) and (ii) of subparagraph (D):
(i) In general.—In the case of 1 or more failures with respect to a participant or beneficiary—
(ii) Higher minimum penalty where violations are more than de minimis.—To the extent violations for which any person is liable under this paragraph for any year are more than de minimis, clause (i) shall be applied by substituting "$15,000" for "$2,500" with respect to such person.
(i) Penalty not to apply where failure not discovered exercising reasonable diligence.—No penalty shall be imposed by subparagraph (A) on any failure during any period for which it is established to the satisfaction of the Secretary that the person otherwise liable for such penalty did not know, and exercising reasonable diligence would not have known, that such failure existed.
(ii) Penalty not to apply to failures corrected within certain periods.—No penalty shall be imposed by subparagraph (A) on any failure if—
(iii) Overall limitation for unintentional failures.—In the case of failures which are due to reasonable cause and not to willful neglect, the penalty imposed by subparagraph (A) for failures shall not exceed the amount equal to the lesser of—
(E) Waiver by secretary.—In the case of a failure which is due to reasonable cause and not to willful neglect, the Secretary may waive part or all of the penalty imposed by subparagraph (A) to the extent that the payment of such penalty would be excessive relative to the failure involved.
(F) Definitions.—Terms used in this paragraph which are defined in section 1191b of this title shall have the meanings provided such terms in such section.
(11) The Secretary and the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall maintain such ongoing consultation as may be necessary and appropriate to coordinate enforcement under this subsection with enforcement under section 1320b–14(c)(8) 2 of title 42.
(1) In the case of—
(2) For purposes of paragraph (1), the term "applicable recovery amount" means any amount which is recovered from a fiduciary or other person with respect to a breach or violation described in paragraph (1)—
(3) The Secretary may, in the Secretary's sole discretion, waive or reduce the penalty under paragraph (1) if the Secretary determines in writing that—
(Pub. L. 93–406, title I, §502, Sept. 2, 1974, 88 Stat. 891; Pub. L. 96–364, title III, §306(b), Sept. 26, 1980, 94 Stat. 1295; Pub. L. 99–272, title X, §10002(b), Apr. 7, 1986, 100 Stat. 231; Pub. L. 100–203, title IX, §§9342(c), 9344, Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1330–372, 1330-373; Pub. L. 101–239, title II, §2101(a), (b), title VII, §§7881(b)(5)(B), (j)(2), (3), 7891(a)(1), 7894(f)(1), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2123, 2438, 2442, 2445, 2450; Pub. L. 101–508, title XII, §12012(d)(2), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1388–573; Pub. L. 103–66, title IV, §4301(c)(1)–(3), Aug. 10, 1993, 107 Stat. 376; Pub. L. 103–401, §§2, 3, Oct. 22, 1994, 108 Stat. 4172; Pub. L. 103–465, title VII, §761(a)(9)(B)(ii), Dec. 8, 1994, 108 Stat. 5033; Pub. L. 104–191, title I, §101(b), (e)(2), Aug. 21, 1996, 110 Stat. 1951, 1952; Pub. L. 104–204, title VI, §603(b)(3)(E), Sept. 26, 1996, 110 Stat. 2938; Pub. L. 105–34, title XV, §1503(c)(2)(B), (d)(7), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 1062; Pub. L. 107–204, title III, §306(b)(3), July 30, 2002, 116 Stat. 783; Pub. L. 108–218, title I, §§102(d), 103(b), 104(a)(2), Apr. 10, 2004, 118 Stat. 602, 603, 606; Pub. L. 109–280, title I, §103(b)(2), title II, §202(b), (c), title V, §§502(a)(2), (b)(2), 507(b), 508(a)(2)(C), title IX, §902(f)(2), Aug. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 816, 884, 885, 940, 941, 949, 951, 1039; Pub. L. 110–233, title I, §101(e), May 21, 2008, 122 Stat. 886; Pub. L. 110–458, title I, §§101(c)(1)(H), 102(b)(1)(H), (I), Dec. 23, 2008, 122 Stat. 5097, 5101; Pub. L. 111–3, title III, §311(b)(1)(E), Feb. 4, 2009, 123 Stat. 70; Pub. L. 113–97, title I, §102(b)(6), Apr. 7, 2014, 128 Stat. 1117; Pub. L. 113–235, div. O, title I, §111(d), Dec. 16, 2014, 128 Stat. 2793.)
Section 405(a) of title 26, referred to in subsec. (b)(1), was repealed by Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title IV, §491(a), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 848.
Paragraphs (1) and (4) of section 1166 of this title, referred to in subsec. (c)(1), were redesignated as pars. (1) and (4) of section 1166(a) of this title by Pub. L. 101–239, title VII, §7891(d)(1)(A)(ii)(I), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2445.
Section 1082 of this title, referred to in subsec. (c)(3), was repealed and a new section 1082 was enacted by Pub. L. 109–280, title I, §101(a), (b), Aug. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 784, and, as so enacted, section 1082 of this title no longer contains a subsec. (d)(12)(E).
Section 1320b–14 of title 42, referred to in subsec. (c)(11), was repealed by Pub. L. 104–226, §1(a), Oct. 2, 1996, 110 Stat. 3033, and a new section 1320b–14 of title 42, which does not contain a subsec. (c)(8), was enacted by Pub. L. 106–554, §1(a)(6) [title IX, §911(a)(1)], Dec. 21, 2000, 114 Stat. 2763, 2763A-583.
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (k), was in the original "this Act", meaning Pub. L. 93–406, known as the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. Titles I, III, and IV of such Act are classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1001 of this title and Tables.
Another section 306(b)(3) of Pub. L. 107–204 is classified to section 7244(b)(3) of Title 15, Commerce and Trade.
2014—Subsec. (a)(11). Pub. L. 113–235 added par. (11).
Subsec. (c)(10) to (12). Pub. L. 113–97 redesignated par. (10) relating to ongoing consultation by the Secretary and the Secretary of Health and Human Services as par. (11) and added par. (12).
2009—Subsec. (a)(6). Pub. L. 111–3, §311(b)(1)(E)(i), which directed the substitution of "(8), or (9)" for "or (8)", could not be executed because the words "or (8)" did not appear after the amendment by Pub. L. 110–233, §101(e)(1). See 2008 Amendment note below.
Subsec. (c)(9), (10). Pub. L. 111–3, §311(b)(1)(E)(ii), added par. (9) and redesignated former par. (9) as (10) relating to Secretarial enforcement authority relating to use of genetic information.
2008—Subsec. (a)(6). Pub. L. 110–233, §101(e)(1), substituted "(7), (8), or (9)" for "(7), or (8)".
Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 110–233, §101(e)(2), substituted "Except as provided in subsections (c)(9) and (a)(6) (with respect to collecting civil penalties under subsection (c)(9)), the Secretary" for "The Secretary".
Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 110–458, §102(b)(1)(H), substituted "1021(b)(1)" for "1021(b)(4)".
Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 110–458, §101(c)(1)(H), substituted "by any person of subsection (j), (k), or (l) of section 1021 of this title or section 1144(e)(3) of this title." for "by any person of subsection (j), (k), or (l) of section 1021 of this title, section 1082(b)(7)(F)(vi) of this title, or section 1144(e)(3) of this title."
Subsec. (c)(8)(A). Pub. L. 110–458, §102(b)(1)(I), inserted "plan" after "multiemployer".
Subsec. (c)(9), (10). Pub. L. 110–233, §101(e)(3), added par. (9) and redesignated former par. (9) as (10).
2006—Subsec. (a)(6). Pub. L. 109–280, §202(b)(1), substituted "(6), (7), or (8)" for "(6), or (7)".
Subsec. (a)(8) to (10). Pub. L. 109–280, §202(c), amended subsec. (a) by striking out "or" at end of par. (8), substituting "; or" for period at end of par. (9), and adding par. (10).
Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 109–280, §508(a)(2)(C), substituted "section 1021(f) of this title, or section 1025(a) of this title" for "or section 1021(f) of this title".
Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 109–280, §902(f)(2), which directed amendment of par. (4) by substituting ", section 1082(b)(7)(F)(vi) of this title, or section 1144(e)(3) of this title" for "or section 1082(b)(7)(F)(vi) of this title", was executed by making the substitution for "or 1082(b)(7)(F)(iv) of this title", to reflect the probable intent of Congress.
Pub. L. 109–280, §502(b)(2), which directed amendment of par. (4) by substituting "subsection (j), (k), or (l) of section 1021 of this title" for "section 1021(j) or (k) of this title", was executed by making the substitution for "subsection (j) or (k) of section 1021 of this title", to reflect the probable intent of Congress.
Pub. L. 109–280, §502(a)(2), substituted "subsection (j) or (k) of section 1021 of this title" for "section 1021(j)".
Pub. L. 109–280, §103(b)(2), which directed amendment of par. (4) by substituting "section 1021(j) or 1082(b)(7)(F)(iv) of this title" for "section 1082(b)(7)(F)(iv) of this title", was executed by making the substitution for "section 1082(b)(7)(F)(vi) of this title", to reflect the probable intent of Congress.
Subsec. (c)(7). Pub. L. 109–280, §507(b), substituted "subsection (i) or (m) of section 1021" for "section 1021(i)".
Subsec. (c)(8), (9). Pub. L. 109–280, §202(b)(2), (3), added par. (8) and redesignated former par. (8) as (9).
2004—Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 108–218, §103(b), substituted ", section 1021(e)(1) of this title, or section 1021(f) of this title" for "or section 1021(e)(1) of this title".
Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 108–218, §102(d), inserted "or who fails to meet the requirements of section 1082(d)(12)(E) of this title with respect to any person" after "1021(e)(2) of this title with respect to any person".
Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 108–218, §104(a)(2), amended par. (4) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (4) read as follows: "The Secretary may assess a civil penalty of not more than $1,000 for each violation by any person of section 1021(f)(1) of this title."
2002—Subsec. (a)(6). Pub. L. 107–204, §306(b)(3)(A), substituted "(5), (6), or (7)" for "(5), or (6)".
Subsec. (c)(7), (8). Pub. L. 107–204, §306(b)(3)(B), (C), added par. (7) and redesignated former par. (7) as (8).
1997—Subsec. (a)(6). Pub. L. 105–34, §1503(d)(7), substituted "(5), or (6)" for "or (5)".
Subsec. (c)(6), (7). Pub. L. 105–34, §1503(c)(2)(B), added par. (6) and redesignated former par. (6) as (7).
1996—Subsec. (a)(6). Pub. L. 104–191, §101(e)(2)(A)(i), substituted "under paragraph (2), (4), or (5) of subsection (c) or under subsection (i) or (l)" for "under subsection (c)(2) or (i) or (l) of this section".
Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 104–204 made technical amendment to reference in original act which appears in text as reference to section 1191b of this title.
Pub. L. 104–191, §101(b), added par. (3).
Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 104–191, §101(e)(2)(B), inserted at end "For purposes of this paragraph, each violation described in subparagraph (A) with respect to any single participant, and each violation described in subparagraph (B) with respect to any single participant or beneficiary, shall be treated as a separate violation."
Subsec. (c)(4) to (6). Pub. L. 104–191, §101(e)(2)(A)(ii), struck out "For purposes of this paragraph, each violation described in subparagraph (A) with respect to any single participant, and each violation described in subparagraph (B) with respect to any single participant or beneficiary, shall be treated as a separate violation. The Secretary and" after "section 1021(f)(1) of this title.", redesignated "the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall maintain such ongoing consultation as may be necessary and appropriate to coordinate enforcement under this subsection with enforcement under section 1320b–14(c)(8) of title 42." as par. (6) and inserted "The Secretary and" before "the Secretary of Health and Human Services", and added par. (5).
1994—Subsec. (a)(9). Pub. L. 103–401, §2, added par. (9).
Subsec. (l)(3)(B). Pub. L. 103–401, §3, inserted "(or to provide the relief ordered pursuant to subsection (a)(9))" after "to restore all losses to the plan".
Subsec. (m). Pub. L. 103–465 added subsec. (m).
1993—Subsec. (a)(7), (8). Pub. L. 103–66, §4301(c)(1), added pars. (7) and (8).
Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 103–66, §4301(c)(2), added par. (4).
Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 103–66, §4301(c)(3), substituted in first sentence "fiduciary, or any person referred to in section 1021(f)(1) of this title" for "or fiduciary" and in second sentence "paragraphs (1)(B) and (7) of subsection (a)" for "subsection (a)(1)(B)".
1990—Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 101–508, §12012(d)(2)(A), inserted "or section 1021(e)(1) of this title" after "section 1166 of this title".
Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 101–508, §12012(d)(2)(B), inserted "or who fails to meet the requirements of section 1021(e)(2) of this title with respect to any person" after first reference to "beneficiary" and "or to such person" after second reference to "beneficiary".
1989—Subsec. (a)(6). Pub. L. 101–239, §7881(j)(2), substituted "subsection (c)(2) or (i)" for "subsection (i)".
Pub. L. 101–239, §2101(b), inserted "or (l)" after "subsection (i)".
Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 101–239, §7894(f)(1), substituted "respect" for "respct" before "to a violation" in introductory provisions.
Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 101–239, §7881(j)(3), inserted "against any plan administrator" after "civil penalty" and substituted "such plan administrator's" for "a plan administrator's".
Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 101–239, §7881(b)(5)(B), added par. (3).
Subsec. (g)(2). Pub. L. 101–239, §7891(a)(1), substituted "Internal Revenue Code of 1986" for "Internal Revenue Code of 1954", which for purposes of codification was translated as "title 26" thus requiring no change in text.
Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 101–239, §2101(a), added subsec. (l).
1987—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 100–203, §9342(c), designated existing provision as par. (1), redesignated as cls. (A) and (B) former cls. (1) and (2), and added par. (2).
Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 100–203, §9344, amended second sentence generally. Prior to amendment, second sentence read as follows: "The amount of such penalty may not exceed 5 percent of the amount involved (as defined in section 4975(f)(4) of title 26); except that if the transaction is not corrected (in such manner as the Secretary shall prescribe by regulation, which regulations shall be consistent with section 4975(f)(5) of title 26) within 90 days after notice from the Secretary (or such longer period as the Secretary may permit), such penalty may be in an amount not more than 100 percent of the amount involved."
1986—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 99–272 inserted "(1) who fails to meet the requirements of paragraph (1) or (4) of section 1166 of this title with respect to a participant or beneficiary, or (2)".
1980—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 96–364, §306(b)(1), redesignated existing provisions as par. (1)(A) and (B) and added par. (2).
Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 96–364, §306(b)(2), redesignated existing provisions as par. (1), inserted exception for actions under paragraph (2), and added par. (2).
Pub. L. 110–233, title I, §101(f)(2), May 21, 2008, 122 Stat. 888, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and sections 1182 and 1191b of this title] shall apply with respect to group health plans for plan years beginning after the date that is 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act [May 21, 2008]."
Amendment by section 103(b)(2) of Pub. L. 109–280 applicable to plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 2007, with collective bargaining exception, see section 103(c) of Pub. L. 109–280, set out as a note under section 1021 of this title.
Amendment by section 202(b), (c) of Pub. L. 109–280 applicable with respect to plan years beginning after 2007, with special rules for certain notices and certain restored benefits, see section 202(f) of Pub. L. 109–280, set out as a note under section 1082 of this title.
Amendment by section 502(a)(2), (b)(2) of Pub. L. 109–280 applicable to plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 2007, see section 502(d) of Pub. L. 109–280, set out as a note under section 4980F of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.
Amendment by section 507(b) of Pub. L. 109–280 applicable to plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 2006, see section 507(d)(1) of Pub. L. 109–280, set out as a note under section 1021 of this title.
Amendment by section 508(a)(2)(C) of Pub. L. 109–280 applicable to plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 2006, with special rule for collectively bargained agreements that were ratified on or before such date, see section 508(c) of Pub. L. 109–280, set out as a note under section 1025 of this title.
Amendment by section 902(f)(2) effective Aug. 17, 2006, see section 902(g) of Pub. L. 109–280, set out as a note under section 401 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.
Amendment by section 103(b) of Pub. L. 108–218 applicable to plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 2004, see section 103(d) of Pub. L. 108–218, set out as a note under section 1021 of this title.
Amendment by Pub. L. 103–465 applicable to plan years beginning after Dec. 31, 1994, see section 761(b)(1) of Pub. L. 103–465, set out as a note under section 1056 of this title.
Pub. L. 103–401, §5, Oct. 22, 1994, 108 Stat. 4173, provided that: "The amendments made by this Act [amending this section] shall apply to any legal proceeding pending, or brought, on or after May 31, 1993."
Pub. L. 101–239, title II, §2101(c), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2123, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to any breach of fiduciary responsibility or other violation occurring on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 19, 1989]."
Amendment by section 7881(b)(5)(B), (j)(2), (3) of Pub. L. 101–239 effective, except as otherwise provided, as if included in the provision of the Pension Protection Act, Pub. L. 100–203, §§9302–9346, to which such amendment relates, see section 7882 of Pub. L. 101–239, set out as a note under section 401 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.
Amendment by section 7894(f)(1) of Pub. L. 101–239 effective, except as otherwise provided, as if originally included in the provision of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, Pub. L. 93–406, to which such amendment relates, see section 7894(i) of Pub. L. 101–239, set out as a note under section 1002 of this title.
Pub. L. 100–203, title IX, §9342(d), Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1330–372, provided that:
"(1) In general.—The amendments made by this section [amending this section and sections 1023, 1024, and 1113 of this title] shall apply with respect to reports required to be filed after December 31, 1987.
"(2) Regulations.—The Secretary of Labor shall issue the regulations required to carry out the amendments made by subsection (c) [amending this section] not later than January 1, 1989."
Amendment by Pub. L. 99–272 applicable to plan years beginning on or after July 1, 1986, with special rule for collective bargaining agreements, see section 10002(d) of Pub. L. 99–272, set out as an Effective Date note under section 1161 of this title.
Pub. L. 110–233, title I, §101(f)(1), May 21, 2008, 122 Stat. 888, provided that: "The Secretary of Labor shall issue final regulations not later than 12 months after the date of enactment of this Act [May 21, 2008] to carry out the amendments made by this section [amending this section and sections 1182 and 1191b of this title]."
For applicability of amendment by section 202(b), (c) of Pub. L. 109–280 to a multiemployer plan that is a party to an agreement that was approved by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation prior to June 30, 2005, and that increases benefits and provides for certain withdrawal liability rules, see section 206 of Pub. L. 109–280, set out as a note under section 412 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.
Pub. L. 103–401, §4, Oct. 22, 1994, 108 Stat. 4172, provided that: "Nothing in this Act [amending this section and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and section 1001 of this title] shall be construed to limit the legal standing of individuals to bring a civil action as participants or beneficiaries under section 502(a) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C. 1132(a)), and nothing in this Act shall affect the responsibilities, obligations, or duties imposed upon fiduciaries by title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 [this subchapter]."
§1133. Claims procedure
(Pub. L. 93–406, title I, §503, Sept. 2, 1974, 88 Stat. 893.)
The Secretary shall have the power, in order to determine whether any person has violated or is about to violate any provision of this subchapter or any regulation or order thereunder—
(Pub. L. 93–406, title I, §504, Sept. 2, 1974, 88 Stat. 893; Pub. L. 101–239, title VII, §7891(a)(1), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2445; Pub. L. 111–148, title VI, §6607, Mar. 23, 2010, 124 Stat. 781.)
2010—Subsecs. (d), (e). Pub. L. 111–148 added subsecs. (d) and (e).
1989—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 101–239 substituted "Internal Revenue Code of 1986" for "Internal Revenue Code of 1954", which for purposes of codification was translated as "title 26" thus requiring no change in text.
§1135. Regulations
Subject to subchapter II and section 1029 of this title, the Secretary may prescribe such regulations as he finds necessary or appropriate to carry out the provisions of this subchapter. Among other things, such regulations may define accounting, technical and trade terms used in such provisions; may prescribe forms; and may provide for the keeping of books and records, and for the inspection of such books and records (subject to section 1134(a) and (b) of this title).
(Pub. L. 93–406, title I, §505, Sept. 2, 1974, 88 Stat. 894.)
Pub. L. 99–272, title XI, §11018, Apr. 7, 1986, 100 Stat. 277, provided that:
"(a) Regulatory Treatment of Assets of Real Estate Entities.—
"(1) In general.—Except as a defense, no rule or regulation adopted pursuant to the Secretary's proposed regulation defining 'plan assets' for purposes of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 [29 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.] (50 Fed. Reg. 961, January 8, 1985, as modified by 50 Fed. Reg. 6361, February 15, 1985), or any reproposal thereof prior to the adoption of the regulations required to be issued in accordance with subsection (d), shall apply to any asset of a real estate entity in which a plan, account, or arrangement subject to such Act invests if—
"(A) any interest in the entity is first offered to a plan, account, or arrangement subject to such Act investing in the entity (hereinafter in this section referred to as a 'plan investor') on or before the date which is 120 days after the date of publication of such rule or regulation as a final rule or regulation;
"(B) no plan investor acquires an interest in the entity from an issuer or underwriter at any time on or after the date which is 270 days after the date of publication of such rule or regulation as a final rule or regulation (except pursuant to a contract or subscription binding on the plan investor and entered into, or tendered, before the expiration of such 270-day period, or pursuant to the exercise, on or before December 31, 1990, of a warrant which was the subject of an effective registration under the Securities Act of 1933 (15 U.S.C. 77q et seq.) [15 U.S.C. 77a et seq.] prior to the date of the enactment of this section [Apr. 7, 1986]); and
"(C) every interest in the entity acquired by a plan investor (or contracted for or subscribed to by a plan investor) before the expiration of such 270-day period is a security—
"(i) which is part of an issue or class of securities which upon such acquisition or at any time during the offering period is held by 100 or more persons;
"(ii) the economic rights of ownership in respect of which are freely transferable;
"(iii) which is registered under the Securities Act of 1933; and
"(iv) which is part of an issue or class of securities which is registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78a et seq.) (or is so registered within three years of the effective date of the registration statement of such securities for purposes of the Securities Act of 1933: Provided, That the issuer provides plan investors with such reports with respect to the offering period as are required with respect to such period by the Securities and Exchange Commission under such Acts and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder).
"(2) Maintenance of current regulatory treatment.—No asset of any real estate entity described in paragraph (1) shall be treated as an asset of any plan investor for any purpose of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 [29 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.] if the assets of such entity would not have been assets of such plan investor under the provisions of—
"(A) Interpretive Bulletin 75–2 (29 CFR 2509.750–2); or
"(B) the regulations proposed by the Secretary of Labor and published—
"(i) on August 28, 1979, at 44 Fed. Reg. 50363;
"(ii) on June 6, 1980, at 45 Fed. Reg. 38084;
"(iii) on January 8, 1985, at 50 Fed. Reg. 961; or
"(iv) on February 15, 1985, at 50 Fed. Reg. 6361,
"(b) Definitions and Special Rules.—For purposes of this section—
"(1) The term 'real estate entity' means an entity which, at any time within two years after the closing of its offering period has invested or has contracted to invest at least 75 percent of the value of its net assets available for investment in direct or indirect ownership of 'real estate assets' or 'interests in real property'.
"(2) The term 'real estate asset' means real property (including an interest in real property) and any share of stock or beneficial interest, partnership interest, depository receipt, or any other interest in any other real estate entity.
"(3) The term 'interest in real property' includes, directly or indirectly, the following:
"(A) the ownership or co-ownership of land or improvements thereon;
"(B) any mortgage (including an interest in or co-ownership of any mortgage, leasehold mortgage, pool of mortgages, deed of trust, or similar instrument) on land or improvements thereon,
"(C) any leasehold of land or improvements thereon; and
"(D) any option to acquire any of the foregoing, but does not include any mineral, oil, or gas royalty interest.
"(4) Whether the economic rights of ownership with respect to a security are 'freely transferable' shall be determined based upon all the facts and circumstances, but ordinarily none of the following, alone or in any combination, shall cause the economic rights of ownership to be considered not freely transferable—
"(A) any requirement that not less than a minimum number of shares or units of such security be transferred or assigned by any investor: Provided, That such requirement does not prevent transfer of all of the then remaining shares or units held by an investor;
"(B) any prohibition against transfer or assignment of such security or rights in respect thereof to an ineligible or unsuitable investor;
"(C) any restriction on or prohibition against any transfer or assignment which would either result in a termination or reclassification of the entity for Federal or State tax purposes or which would violate any State or Federal statute, regulation, court order, judicial decree, or rule of law;
"(D) any requirement that reasonable transfer or administrative fees be paid in connection with a transfer or assignment;
"(E) any requirement that advance notice of a transfer or assignment be given to the entity and any requirement regarding execution of documentation evidencing such transfer or assignment (including documentation setting forth representations from either or both of the transferor or transferee as to compliance with any restriction or requirement described in this section or requiring compliance with the entity's governing instruments);
"(F) any restriction on substitution of an assignee as a limited partner of a partnership, including a general partner consent requirement: Provided, That the economic benefits of ownership of the assignor may be transferred or assigned without regard to such restriction or consent (other than compliance with any other restriction described in this section);
"(G) any administrative procedure which establishes an effective date, or an event such as the completion of the offering, prior to which a transfer or assignment will not be effective; and
"(H) any limitation or restriction on transfer or assignment which is not created or imposed by the issuer or any person acting for or on behalf of such issuer.
"(c) No Effect on Secretary's Authority Other Than As Provided.—Except as provided in subsection (a), nothing in this section shall limit the authority of the Secretary of Labor to issue regulations or otherwise interpret section 3(21) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 [29 U.S.C. 1002(21)].
"(d) Time Limit for Final Regulations.—The Secretary of Labor shall adopt final regulations defining 'plan assets' by December 31, 1986.
"(e) Effective Date.—The preceding provisions of this section shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Apr. 7, 1986]."
§1136. Coordination and responsibility of agencies enforcing this subchapter and related Federal laws
(a) Coordination with other agencies and departments
In order to avoid unnecessary expense and duplication of functions among Government agencies, the Secretary may make such arrangements or agreements for cooperation or mutual assistance in the performance of his functions under this subchapter and the functions of any such agency as he may find to be practicable and consistent with law. The Secretary may utilize, on a reimbursable or other basis, the facilities or services of any department, agency, or establishment of the United States or of any State or political subdivision of a State, including the services of any of its employees, with the lawful consent of such department, agency, or establishment; and each department, agency, or establishment of the United States is authorized and directed to cooperate with the Secretary and, to the extent permitted by law, to provide such information and facilities as he may request for his assistance in the performance of his functions under this subchapter. The Attorney General or his representative shall receive from the Secretary for appropriate action such evidence developed in the performance of his functions under this subchapter as may be found to warrant consideration for criminal prosecution under the provisions of this subchapter or other Federal law.
(b) Responsibility for detecting and investigating civil and criminal violations of this subchapter and related Federal laws
The Secretary shall have the responsibility and authority to detect and investigate and refer, where appropriate, civil and criminal violations related to the provisions of this subchapter and other related Federal laws, including the detection, investigation, and appropriate referrals of related violations of title 18. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to preclude other appropriate Federal agencies from detecting and investigating civil and criminal violations of this subchapter and other related Federal laws.
(c) Coordination of enforcement with States with respect to certain arrangements
A State may enter into an agreement with the Secretary for delegation to the State of some or all of the Secretary's authority under sections 1132 and 1134 of this title to enforce the requirements under part 7 in connection with multiple employer welfare arrangements, providing medical care (within the meaning of section 1191b(a)(2) of this title), which are not group health plans.
(Pub. L. 93–406, title I, §506, Sept. 2, 1974, 88 Stat. 894; Pub. L. 98–473, title II, §805, Oct. 12, 1984, 98 Stat. 2134; Pub. L. 104–191, title I, §101(e)(3), Aug. 21, 1996, 110 Stat. 1953; Pub. L. 104–204, title VI, §603(b)(3)(F), Sept. 26, 1996, 110 Stat. 2938.)
1996—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 104–204 made technical amendment to reference in original act which appears in text as reference to section 1191b of this title.
Pub. L. 104–191 added subsec. (c).
1984—Pub. L. 98–473 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a), added subsec. (b), and amended section catchline.
Pub. L. 104–191, title II, §250, Aug. 21, 1996, 110 Stat. 2021, provided that: "Nothing in this subtitle [subtitle E (§§241–250) of title II of Pub. L. 104–191, enacting sections 24, 669, 1035, 1347, 1518, and 3486 of Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure, amending sections 982, 1345, 1510, and 1956 of Title 18, and enacting provisions set out as notes under section 1395i of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare] shall be construed as affecting the authority of the Secretary of Labor under section 506(b) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 [29 U.S.C. 1136(b)], including the Secretary's authority with respect to violations of title 18, United States Code (as amended by this subtitle)."
§1137. Administration
(a) Subchapter II of chapter 5, and chapter 7, of title 5 (relating to administrative procedure), shall be applicable to this subchapter.
(c) No employee of the Department of Labor or the Department of the Treasury shall administer or enforce this subchapter or title 26 with respect to any employee benefit plan under which he is a participant or beneficiary, any employee organization of which he is a member, or any employer organization in which he has an interest. This subsection does not apply to an employee benefit plan which covers only employees of the United States.
(Pub. L. 93–406, title I, §507, Sept. 2, 1974, 88 Stat. 894; Pub. L. 101–239, title VII, §7891(a), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2445.)
Subsec. (b) of this section amended section 5108 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.
1989—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 101–239 substituted "Internal Revenue Code of 1986" for "Internal Revenue Code of 1954", which for purposes of codification was translated as "title 26" thus requiring no change in text.
§1138. Appropriations
There are hereby authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to enable the Secretary to carry out his functions and duties under this chapter.
(Pub. L. 93–406, title I, §508, Sept. 2, 1974, 88 Stat. 895.)
§1139. Separability
(Pub. L. 93–406, title I, §509, Sept. 2, 1974, 88 Stat. 895.)
§1140. Interference with protected rights
(Pub. L. 93–406, title I, §510, Sept. 2, 1974, 88 Stat. 895; Pub. L. 109–280, title II, §205, Aug. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 889.)
The Welfare and Pension Plans Disclosure Act, referred to in text, is Pub. L. 85–836, Aug. 28, 1958, 72 Stat. 997, as amended, which was classified generally to chapter 10 (§301 et seq.) of this title, and was repealed by Pub. L. 93–406, title I, §111(a)(1), Sept. 2, 1974, 88 Stat. 851 (Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974), effective Jan. 1, 1975. Such section 111(a)(1) also provided that the Welfare and Pension Plans Disclosure Act should continue to apply to any conduct and events which occurred before Jan. 1, 1975 (see section 1031 of this title). For complete classification of the Welfare and Pension Plans Disclosure Act to the Code prior to such repeal, see Tables.
2006—Pub. L. 109–280 inserted before last sentence "In the case of a multiemployer plan, it shall be unlawful for the plan sponsor or any other person to discriminate against any contributing employer for exercising rights under this chapter or for giving information or testifying in any inquiry or proceeding relating to this chapter before Congress."
§1141. Coercive interference
(Pub. L. 93–406, title I, §511, Sept. 2, 1974, 88 Stat. 895; Pub. L. 109–280, title VI, §623(a), Aug. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 979.)
2006—Pub. L. 109–280 substituted "$100,000" for "$10,000" and "10 years" for "one year".
Pub. L. 109–280, title VI, §623(b), Aug. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 979, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to violations occurring on and after the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 17, 2006]."
§1142. Advisory Council on Employee Welfare and Pension Benefit Plans
(a) Establishment; membership; terms; appointment and reappointment; vacancies; quorum
(1) There is hereby established an Advisory Council on Employee Welfare and Pension Benefit Plans (hereinafter in this section referred to as the "Council") consisting of fifteen members appointed by the Secretary. Not more than eight members of the Council shall be members of the same political party.
(2) Members shall be persons qualified to appraise the programs instituted under this chapter.
(3) Of the members appointed, three shall be representatives of employee organizations (at least one of whom shall be representative of any organization members of which are participants in a multiemployer plan); three shall be representatives of employers (at least one of whom shall be representative of employers maintaining or contributing to multi-employer plans); three representatives shall be appointed from the general public, one of whom shall be a person representing those receiving benefits from a pension plan; and there shall be one representative each from the fields of insurance, corporate trust, actuarial counseling, investment counseling, investment management, and the accounting field.
(4) Members shall serve for terms of three years except that of those first appointed, five shall be appointed for terms of one year, five shall be appointed for terms of two years, and five shall be appointed for terms of three years. A member may be reappointed. A member appointed to fill a vacancy shall be appointed only for the remainder of such term. A majority of members shall constitute a quorum and action shall be taken only by a majority vote of those present and voting.
(b) Duties and functions
It shall be the duty of the Council to advise the Secretary with respect to the carrying out of his functions under this chapter and to submit to the Secretary recommendations with respect thereto. The Council shall meet at least four times each year and at such other times as the Secretary requests. In his annual report submitted pursuant to section 1143(b) 1 of this title, the Secretary shall include each recommendation which he has received from the Council during the preceding calendar year.
(c) Executive secretary; secretarial and clerical services
The Secretary shall furnish to the Council an executive secretary and such secretarial, clerical, and other services as are deemed necessary to conduct its business. The Secretary may call upon other agencies of the Government for statistical data, reports, and other information which will assist the Council in the performance of its duties.
(1) Members of the Council shall each be entitled to receive the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay in effect for grade GS–18 of the General Schedule for each day (including travel time) during which they are engaged in the actual performance of duties vested in the Council.
(2) While away from their homes or regular places of business in the performance of services for Council, members of the Council shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in the same manner as persons employed intermittently in the Government service are allowed expenses under section 5703(b) of title 5.1
Section 14(a) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (relating to termination) shall not apply to the Council.
(Pub. L. 93–406, title I, §512, Sept. 2, 1974, 88 Stat. 895.)
This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (a)(2), (b), was in the original "this Act", meaning Pub. L. 93–406, known as the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. Titles I, III, and IV of such Act are classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1001 of this title and Tables.
Section 1143(b) of this title, referred to in subsec. (b), was omitted from the Code.
Section 5703 of title 5, referred to in subsec. (d)(2), was amended generally by Pub. L. 94–22, §4, May 19, 1975, 89 Stat. 85, and, as so amended, does not contain a subsec. (b).
Section 14(a) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, referred to in subsec. (e), is section 14(a) of Pub. L. 92–463, which is set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.
§1143. Research, studies, and reports
(a) Authorization to undertake research and surveys
(1) The Secretary is authorized to undertake research and surveys and in connection therewith to collect, compile, analyze and publish data, information, and statistics relating to employee benefit plans, including retirement, deferred compensation, and welfare plans, and types of plans not subject to this chapter.
(2) The Secretary is authorized and directed to undertake research studies relating to pension plans, including but not limited to (A) the effects of this subchapter upon the provisions and costs of pension plans, (B) the role of private pensions in meeting the economic security needs of the Nation, and (C) the operation of private pension plans including types and levels of benefits, degree of reciprocity or portability, and financial and actuarial characteristics and practices, and methods of encouraging the growth of the private pension system.
(3) The Secretary may, as he deems appropriate or necessary, undertake other studies relating to employee benefit plans, the matters regulated by this subchapter, and the enforcement procedures provided for under this subchapter.
(4) The research, surveys, studies, and publications referred to in this subsection may be conducted directly, or indirectly through grant or contract arrangements.
(c) Cooperation with Congress
The Secretary is authorized and directed to cooperate with the Congress and its appropriate committees, subcommittees, and staff in supplying data and any other information, and personnel and services, required by the Congress in any study, examination, or report by the Congress relating to pension benefit plans established or maintained by States or their political subdivisions.
(Pub. L. 93–406, title I, §513, Sept. 2, 1974, 88 Stat. 896.)
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (a)(1), was in the original "this Act", meaning Pub. L. 93–406, known as the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. Titles I, III, and IV of such Act are classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1001 of this title and Tables.
Subsec. (b) of this section, which required the Secretary to submit annually a report to Congress on the administration of this subchapter, terminated, effective May 15, 2000, pursuant to section 3003 of Pub. L. 104–66, as amended, set out as a note under section 1113 of Title 31, Money and Finance. See, also, page 123 of House Document No. 103–7.
§1143a. Studies by Comptroller General
The Comptroller General of the United States may, pursuant to the request of any Member of Congress, study employee benefit plans, including the effects of such plans on employees, participants, and their beneficiaries.
For the purpose of conducting studies under this section, the Comptroller General, or any of his duly authorized representatives, shall have access to and the right to examine and copy any books, documents, papers, records, or other recorded information—
(A) within the possession or control of the administrator, sponsor, or employer of and persons providing services to any employee benefit plan, and
(B) which the Comptroller General or his representative finds, in his own judgment, pertinent to such study.
For purposes of this section, the terms "employee benefit plan", "participant", "administrator", "beneficiary", "plan sponsor", "employee", and "employer" are defined in section 1002 of this title.
The preceding provisions of this section shall be effective on April 7, 1986.
(Pub. L. 99–272, title XI, §11016(d), Apr. 7, 1986, 100 Stat. 275.)
(B) Nothing in subparagraph (A) shall be construed to exempt from subsection (a)—
(6)(A) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section—
(i) in the case of an employee welfare benefit plan which is a multiple employer welfare arrangement and is fully insured (or which is a multiple employer welfare arrangement subject to an exemption under subparagraph (B)), any law of any State which regulates insurance may apply to such arrangement to the extent that such law provides—
(8) Subsection (a) of this section shall not be construed to preclude any State cause of action—
(2) For purposes of this subsection, the term "automatic contribution arrangement" means an arrangement—
(3)(A) The plan administrator of an automatic contribution arrangement shall, within a reasonable period before such plan year, provide to each participant to whom the arrangement applies for such plan year notice of the participant's rights and obligations under the arrangement which—
(B) A notice shall not be treated as meeting the requirements of subparagraph (A) with respect to a participant unless—
(Pub. L. 93–406, title I, §514, Sept. 2, 1974, 88 Stat. 897; Pub. L. 97–473, title III, §§301(a), 302(b), Jan. 14, 1983, 96 Stat. 2611, 2613; Pub. L. 98–397, title I, §104(b), Aug. 23, 1984, 98 Stat. 1436; Pub. L. 99–272, title IX, §9503(d)(1), Apr. 7, 1986, 100 Stat. 207; Pub. L. 101–239, title VII, §7894(f)(2)(A), (3)(A), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2450, 2451; Pub. L. 103–66, title IV, §4301(c)(4), Aug. 10, 1993, 107 Stat. 377; Pub. L. 104–191, title I, §101(f)(1), Aug. 21, 1996, 110 Stat. 1953; Pub. L. 104–204, title VI, §603(b)(3)(G), Sept. 26, 1996, 110 Stat. 2938; Pub. L. 105–200, title IV, §401(h)(2)(A)(i), (ii), July 16, 1998, 112 Stat. 668; Pub. L. 109–280, title IX, §902(f)(1), Aug. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 1039.)
The Social Security Act, referred to in subsec. (b)(8)(B), is act Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, 49 Stat. 620, as amended. Title XIX of the Social Security Act is classified generally to subchapter XIX (§1396 et seq.) of chapter 7 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1305 of Title 42 and Tables.
2006—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 109–280 added subsec. (e).
1998—Subsec. (b)(7). Pub. L. 105–200, §401(h)(2)(A)(ii), substituted "they apply to" for "enforced by".
1996—Subsec. (b)(9). Pub. L. 104–204 made technical amendment to reference in original act which appears in text as reference to section 1191 of this title.
1993—Subsec. (b)(7). Pub. L. 103–66, §4301(c)(4)(A), as amended by Pub. L. 105–200, §401(h)(1)(A)(i), inserted ", qualified medical child support orders (within the meaning of section 1169(a)(2)(A) of this title), and the provisions of law referred to in section 1169(a)(2)(B)(ii) of this title to the extent enforced by qualified medical child support orders" before period at end.
1989—Subsec. (b)(5)(C). Pub. L. 101–239, §7894(f)(2)(A), substituted "by such parts 1 and 4 and the preceding sections of this part" for "by such parts".
1986—Subsec. (b)(8). Pub. L. 99–272 added par. (8).
1984—Subsec. (b)(7). Pub. L. 98–397 added par. (7).
1983—Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 97–473, §301(a), added par. (5).
Pub. L. 105–200, title IV, §401(h)(2)(C), July 16, 1998, 112 Stat. 668, provided that: "The amendments made by subparagraph (A) [amending this section and section 1169 of this title] shall be effective as if included in the enactment of section 4301(c)(4)(A) of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 [Pub. L. 103–66]."
Pub. L. 101–239, title VII, §7894(f)(2)(B), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2451, provided that: "The amendment made by this paragraph [amending this section] shall take effect as if included in section 301 of Public Law 97–473."
Pub. L. 101–239, title VII, §7894(f)(3)(B), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2451, provided that: "The amendments made by this paragraph [amending this section] shall take effect as if included in section 302 of Public Law 97–473."
Pub. L. 99–272, title IX, §9503(d)(2), Apr. 7, 1986, 100 Stat. 207, provided that:
"(B) In the case of a plan maintained pursuant to one or more collective bargaining agreements between employee representatives and one or more employers ratified on or before the date of the enactment of this Act [Apr. 7, 1986], the amendment made by paragraph (1) shall become effective on the later of—
"(ii) the earlier of—
Pub. L. 97–473, title III, §301(c), Jan. 14, 1983, 96 Stat. 2612, provided that: "The amendment made by this section [amending this section] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Jan. 14, 1983]."
Pub. L. 97–473, title III, §301(b), Jan. 14, 1983, 96 Stat. 2612, provided that: "The amendment made by this section [amending this section] shall not be considered a precedent with respect to extending such amendment to any other State law."
§1144a. Clarification of church welfare plan status under State insurance law
For purposes of determining the status of a church plan that is a welfare plan under provisions of a State insurance law described in subsection (b), such a church plan (and any trust under such plan) shall be deemed to be a plan sponsored by a single employer that reimburses costs from general church assets, or purchases insurance coverage with general church assets, or both.
(b) State insurance law
A State insurance law described in this subsection is a law that—
(1) requires a church plan, or an organization described in section 414(e)(3)(A) of title 26 and section 1002(33)(C)(i) of this title to the extent that it is administering or funding such a plan, to be licensed; or
(2) relates solely to the solvency or insolvency of a church plan (including participation in State guaranty funds and associations).
(1) Church plan
The term "church plan" has the meaning given such term by section 414(e) of title 26 and section 1002(33) of this title.
(2) Reimburses costs from general church assets
The term "reimburses costs from general church assets" means engaging in an activity that is not the spreading of risk solely for the purposes of the provisions of State insurance laws described in subsection (b).
(3) Welfare plan
The term "welfare plan"—
(A) means any church plan to the extent that such plan provides medical, surgical, or hospital care or benefits, or benefits in the event of sickness, accident, disability, death or unemployment, or vacation benefits, apprenticeship or other training programs, or day care centers, scholarship funds, or prepaid legal services; and
(B) does not include any entity, such as a health insurance issuer described in section 9832(b)(2) of title 26 or a health maintenance organization described in section 9832(b)(3) of title 26, or any other organization that does business with the church plan or organization sponsoring or maintaining such a plan.
(d) Enforcement authority
Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, for purposes of enforcing provisions of State insurance laws that apply to a church plan that is a welfare plan, the church plan shall be subject to State enforcement as if the church plan were an insurer licensed by the State.
Except as provided in subsection (d), the application of this section is limited to determining the status of a church plan that is a welfare plan under the provisions of State insurance laws described in subsection (b). This section shall not otherwise be construed to recharacterize the status, or modify or affect the rights, of any plan participant or beneficiary, including participants or beneficiaries who make plan contributions.
(Pub. L. 106–244, §2, July 10, 2000, 114 Stat. 499.)
Pub. L. 106–244, §1, July 10, 2000, 114 Stat. 499, provided that: "The purpose of this Act [enacting this section] is only to clarify the application to a church plan that is a welfare plan of State insurance laws that require or solely relate to licensing, solvency, insolvency, or the status of such plan as a single employer plan."
§1145. Delinquent contributions
(Pub. L. 93–406, title I, §515, as added Pub. L. 96–364, title III, §306(a), Sept. 26, 1980, 94 Stat. 1295.)
Section effective Sept. 26, 1980, except as specifically provided, see section 1461(e) of this title.
§1146. Outreach to promote retirement income savings
The Secretary shall maintain an ongoing program of outreach to the public designed to effectively promote retirement income savings by the public.
The Secretary shall carry out the requirements of subsection (a) by means which shall ensure effective communication to the public, including publication of public service announcements, public meetings, creation of educational materials, and establishment of a site on the Internet.
(c) Information to be made available
The information to be made available by the Secretary as part of the program of outreach required under subsection (a) shall include the following:
(1) a description of the vehicles currently available to individuals and employers for creating and maintaining retirement income savings, specifically including information explaining to employers, in simple terms, the characteristics and operation of the different retirement savings vehicles, including the steps to establish each such vehicle; and
(2) information regarding matters relevant to establishing retirement income savings, such as—
(A) the forms of retirement income savings;
(B) the concept of compound interest;
(C) the importance of commencing savings early in life;
(D) savings principles;
(E) the importance of prudence and diversification in investing;
(F) the importance of the timing of investments; and
(G) the impact on retirement savings of life's uncertainties, such as living beyond one's life expectancy.
(d) Establishment of site on Internet
The Secretary shall establish a permanent site on the Internet concerning retirement income savings. The site shall contain at least the following information:
(1) a means for individuals to calculate their estimated retirement savings needs, based on their retirement income goal as a percentage of their preretirement income;
(2) a description in simple terms of the common types of retirement income savings arrangements available to both individuals and employers (specifically including small employers), including information on the amount of money that can be placed into a given vehicle, the tax treatment of the money, the amount of accumulation possible through different typical investment options and interest rate projections, and a directory of resources of more descriptive information;
(3) materials explaining to employers in simple terms, the characteristics and operation of the different retirement savings arrangements for their workers and what the basic legal requirements are under this chapter and title 26, including the steps to establish each such arrangement;
(4) copies of all educational materials developed by the Department of Labor, and by other Federal agencies in consultation with such Department, to promote retirement income savings by workers and employers; and
(5) links to other sites maintained on the Internet by governmental agencies and nonprofit organizations that provide additional detail on retirement income savings arrangements and related topics on savings or investing.
The Secretary shall coordinate the outreach program under this section with similar efforts undertaken by other public and private entities.
(Pub. L. 93–406, title I, §516, as added Pub. L. 105–92, §3(a), Nov. 19, 1997, 111 Stat. 2139.)
Pub. L. 105–92, §2, Nov. 19, 1997, 111 Stat. 2139, provided that:
"(1) The impending retirement of the baby boom generation will severely strain our already overburdened entitlement system, necessitating increased reliance on pension and other personal savings.
"(2) Studies have found that less than a third of Americans have even tried to calculate how much they will need to have saved by retirement, and that less than 20 percent are very confident they will have enough money to live comfortably throughout their retirement.
"(3) A leading obstacle to expanding retirement savings is the simple fact that far too many Americans—particularly the young—are either unaware of, or without the knowledge and resources necessary to take advantage of, the extensive benefits offered by our retirement savings system.
"(b) Purpose.—It is the purpose of this Act [see Short Title of 1997 Amendment note, set out under section 1001 of this title]—
"(1) to advance the public's knowledge and understanding of retirement savings and its critical importance to the future well-being of American workers and their families;
"(2) to provide for a periodic, bipartisan national retirement savings summit in conjunction with the White House to elevate the issue of savings to national prominence; and
"(3) to initiate the development of a broad-based, public education program to encourage and enhance individual commitment to a personal retirement savings strategy."
§1147. National Summit on Retirement Savings
(a) Authority to call Summit
Not later than July 15, 1998, the President shall convene a National Summit on Retirement Income Savings at the White House, to be co-hosted by the President and the Speaker and the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives and the Majority Leader and Minority Leader of the Senate. Such a National Summit shall be convened thereafter in 2001 and 2005 on or after September 1 of each year involved. Such a National Summit shall—
(1) advance the public's knowledge and understanding of retirement savings and its critical importance to the future well-being of American workers and their families;
(2) facilitate the development of a broad-based, public education program to encourage and enhance individual commitment to a personal retirement savings strategy;
(3) develop recommendations for additional research, reforms, and actions in the field of private pensions and individual retirement savings; and
(4) disseminate the report of, and information obtained by, the National Summit and exhibit materials and works of the National Summit.
(b) Planning and direction
The National Summit shall be planned and conducted under the direction of the Secretary, in consultation with, and with the assistance of, the heads of such other Federal departments and agencies as the President may designate. Such assistance may include the assignment of personnel. The Secretary shall, in planning and conducting the National Summit, consult with the congressional leaders specified in subsection (e)(2). The Secretary shall also, in carrying out the Secretary's duties under this subsection, consult and coordinate with at least one organization made up of private sector businesses and associations partnered with Government entities to promote long-term financial security in retirement through savings.
(c) Purpose of National Summit
The purpose of the National Summit shall be—
(1) to increase the public awareness of the value of personal savings for retirement;
(2) to advance the public's knowledge and understanding of retirement savings and its critical importance to the future well-being of American workers and their families;
(3) to facilitate the development of a broad-based, public education program to encourage and enhance individual commitment to a personal retirement savings strategy;
(4) to identify the problems workers have in setting aside adequate savings for retirement;
(5) to identify the barriers which employers, especially small employers, face in assisting their workers in accumulating retirement savings;
(6) to examine the impact and effectiveness of individual employers to promote personal savings for retirement among their workers and to promote participation in company savings options;
(7) to examine the impact and effectiveness of government programs at the Federal, State, and local levels to educate the public about, and to encourage, retirement income savings;
(8) to develop such specific and comprehensive recommendations for the legislative and executive branches of the Government and for private sector action as may be appropriate for promoting private pensions and individual retirement savings; and
(9) to develop recommendations for the coordination of Federal, State, and local retirement income savings initiatives among the Federal, State, and local levels of government and for the coordination of such initiatives.
(d) Scope of National Summit
The scope of the National Summit shall consist of issues relating to individual and employer-based retirement savings and shall not include issues relating to the old-age, survivors, and disability insurance program under title II of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 401 et seq.].
(e) National Summit participants
To carry out the purposes of the National Summit, the National Summit shall bring together—
(A) professionals and other individuals working in the fields of employee benefits and retirement savings;
(B) Members of Congress and officials in the executive branch;
(C) representatives of State and local governments;
(D) representatives of private sector institutions, including individual employers, concerned about promoting the issue of retirement savings and facilitating savings among American workers; and
(2) Statutorily required participation
The participants in the National Summit shall include the following individuals or their designees:
(A) the Speaker and the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives;
(B) the Majority Leader and the Minority Leader of the Senate;
(C) the Chairman and ranking Member of the Committee on Education and the Workforce of the House of Representatives;
(D) the Chairman and ranking Member of the Committee on Labor and Human Resources of the Senate;
(E) the Chairman and ranking Member of the Special Committee on Aging of the Senate;
(F) the Chairman and ranking Member of the Subcommittees on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education of the Senate and House of Representatives; and
(G) the parties referred to in subsection (b).
(3) Additional participants
There shall be not more than 200 additional participants. Of such additional participants—
(i) one-half shall be appointed by the President, in consultation with the elected leaders of the President's party in Congress (either the Speaker of the House of Representatives or the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, and either the Majority Leader or the Minority Leader of the Senate; 1 and
(ii) one-half shall be appointed by the elected leaders of Congress of the party to which the President does not belong (one-half of that allotment to be appointed by either the Speaker of the House of Representatives or the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, and one-half of that allotment to be appointed by either the Majority Leader or the Minority Leader of the Senate).
(B) Appointment requirements
The additional participants described in subparagraph (A) shall be—
(i) appointed not later than January 31, 1998;
(ii) selected without regard to political affiliation or past partisan activity; and
(iii) representative of the diversity of thought in the fields of employee benefits and retirement income savings.
(4) Presiding officers
The National Summit shall be presided over equally by representatives of the executive and legislative branches.
(f) National Summit administration
In administering this section, the Secretary shall—
(A) request the cooperation and assistance of such other Federal departments and agencies and other parties referred to in subsection (b) as may be appropriate in the carrying out of this section;
(B) furnish all reasonable assistance to State agencies, area agencies, and other appropriate organizations to enable them to organize and conduct conferences in conjunction with the National Summit;
(C) make available for public comment a proposed agenda for the National Summit that reflects to the greatest extent possible the purposes for the National Summit set out in this section;
(D) prepare and make available background materials for the use of participants in the National Summit that the Secretary considers necessary; and
(E) appoint and fix the pay of such additional personnel as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this section without regard to provisions of title 5 governing appointments in the competitive service, and without regard to chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of such title relating to classification and General Schedule pay rates.
The Secretary shall, in carrying out the responsibilities and functions of the Secretary under this section, and as part of the National Summit, ensure that—
(A) the National Summit shall be conducted in a manner that ensures broad participation of Federal, State, and local agencies and private organizations, professionals, and others involved in retirement income savings and provides a strong basis for assistance to be provided under paragraph (1)(B);
(B) the agenda prepared under paragraph (1)(C) for the National Summit is published in the Federal Register; and
(C) the personnel appointed under paragraph (1)(E) shall be fairly balanced in terms of points of views represented and shall be appointed without regard to political affiliation or previous partisan activities.
The provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the National Summit.
The Secretary shall prepare a report describing the activities of the National Summit and shall submit the report to the President, the Speaker and Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, the Majority and Minority Leaders of the Senate, and the chief executive officers of the States not later than 90 days after the date on which the National Summit is adjourned.
For purposes of this section, the term "State" means a State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and any other territory or possession of the United States.
There is authorized to be appropriated for fiscal years beginning on or after October 1, 1997, such sums as are necessary to carry out this section.
(2) Authorization to accept private contributions
In order to facilitate the National Summit as a public-private partnership, the Secretary may accept private contributions, in the form of money, supplies, or services, to defray the costs of the National Summit.
(j) Financial obligation for fiscal year 1998
The financial obligation for the Department of Labor for fiscal year 1998 shall not exceed the lesser of—
(1) one-half of the costs of the National Summit; or
The private sector organization described in subsection (b) and contracted with by the Secretary shall be obligated for the balance of the cost of the National Summit.
The Secretary may enter into contracts to carry out the Secretary's responsibilities under this section. The Secretary shall enter into a contract on a sole-source basis to ensure the timely completion of the National Summit in fiscal year 1998.
(Pub. L. 93–406, title I, §517, as added Pub. L. 105–92, §4(a), Nov. 19, 1997, 111 Stat. 2141.)
The Social Security Act, referred to in subsec. (d), is act Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, 49 Stat. 620. Title II of the Act is classified generally to subchapter II (§401 et seq.) of chapter 7 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1305 of Title 42 and Tables.
§1148. Authority to postpone certain deadlines by reason of Presidentially declared disaster or terroristic or military actions
In the case of a pension or other employee benefit plan, or any sponsor, administrator, participant, beneficiary, or other person with respect to such plan, affected by a Presidentially declared disaster (as defined in section 1033(h)(3) of title 26) or a terroristic or military action (as defined in section 692(c)(2) of such title), the Secretary may, notwithstanding any other provision of law, prescribe, by notice or otherwise, a period of up to 1 year which may be disregarded in determining the date by which any action is required or permitted to be completed under this chapter. No plan shall be treated as failing to be operated in accordance with the terms of the plan solely as the result of disregarding any period by reason of the preceding sentence.
(Pub. L. 93–406, title I, §518, as added Pub. L. 107–134, title I, §112(c)(1), Jan. 23, 2002, 115 Stat. 2434.)
Section applicable to disasters and terroristic or military actions occurring on or after Sept. 11, 2001, with respect to any action of the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of Labor, or the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation occurring on or after Jan. 23, 2002, see section 112(f) of Pub. L. 107–134, set out as an Effective Date of 2002 Amendment note under section 6081 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.
§1149. Prohibition on false statements and representations
No person, in connection with a plan or other arrangement that is 1 multiple employer welfare arrangement described in section 1002(40) of this title, shall make a false statement or false representation of fact, knowing it to be false, in connection with the marketing or sale of such plan or arrangement, to any employee, any member of an employee organization, any beneficiary, any employer, any employee organization, the Secretary, or any State, or the representative or agent of any such person, State, or the Secretary, concerning—
(4) the regulatory status of such plan or other arrangement regarding exemption from state 2 regulatory authority under this chapter.
This section shall not apply to any plan or arrangement that does not fall within the meaning of the term "multiple employer welfare arrangement" under section 1002(40)(A) of this title.
(Pub. L. 93–406, title I, §519, as added Pub. L. 111–148, title VI, §6601(a), Mar. 23, 2010, 124 Stat. 779.)
This chapter, referred to in par. (4), was in the original "this Act", meaning Pub. L. 93–406, known as the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. Titles I, III, and IV of such Act are classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1001 of this title and Tables.
§1150. Applicability of State law to combat fraud and abuse
The Secretary may, for the purpose of identifying, preventing, or prosecuting fraud and abuse, adopt regulatory standards establishing, or issue an order relating to a specific person establishing, that a person engaged in the business of providing insurance through a multiple employer welfare arrangement described in section 1002(40) of this title is subject to the laws of the States in which such person operates which regulate insurance in such State, notwithstanding section 1144(b)(6) of this title or the Liability Risk Retention Act of 1986 [15 U.S.C. 3901 et seq.], and regardless of whether the law of the State is otherwise preempted under any of such provisions. This section shall not apply to any plan or arrangement that does not fall within the meaning of the term "multiple employer welfare arrangement" under section 1002(40)(A) of this title.
(Pub. L. 93–406, title I, §520, as added Pub. L. 111–148, title VI, §6604(a), Mar. 23, 2010, 124 Stat. 780.)
The Liability Risk Retention Act of 1986, referred to in text, is Pub. L. 97–45, Sept. 25, 1981, 95 Stat. 949, which is classified generally to chapter 65 (§3901 et seq.) of Title 15, Commerce and Trade. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3901 of Title 15 and Tables.
§1151. Administrative summary cease and desist orders and summary seizure orders against multiple employer welfare arrangements in financially hazardous condition
The Secretary may issue a cease and desist (ex parte) order under this subchapter if it appears to the Secretary that the alleged conduct of a multiple employer welfare arrangement described in section 1002(40) of this title, other than a plan or arrangement described in subsection (g), is fraudulent, or creates an immediate danger to the public safety or welfare, or is causing or can be reasonably expected to cause significant, imminent, and irreparable public injury.
A person that is adversely affected by the issuance of a cease and desist order under subsection (a) may request a hearing by the Secretary regarding such order. The Secretary may require that a proceeding under this section, including all related information and evidence, be conducted in a confidential manner.
The burden of proof in any hearing conducted under subsection (b) shall be on the party requesting the hearing to show cause why the cease and desist order should be set aside.
Based upon the evidence presented at a hearing under subsection (b), the cease and desist order involved may be affirmed, modified, or set aside by the Secretary in whole or in part.
The Secretary may issue a summary seizure order under this subchapter if it appears that a multiple employer welfare arrangement is in a financially hazardous condition.
The Secretary may promulgate such regulations or other guidance as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out this section.
(Pub. L. 93–406, title I, §521, as added Pub. L. 111–148, title VI, §6605(a), Mar. 23, 2010, 124 Stat. 780.)