Women's Retirement Protection Act

This bill would add stronger protections for spouses in defined contribution retirement plans. In most cases, a married worker would need their spouse’s written OK before taking money out or choosing/changing a beneficiary. The plan must explain both spouses’ rights in writing, and the consent must be signed within 90 days and witnessed by a plan representative or a notary, according to the bill .

Some actions would not need consent, like required minimum distributions, one small withdrawal up to 25% of the account per account, choosing an annuity that already provides survivor benefits, or taking the full balance if half is sent to the spouse’s IRA. Direct rollovers are still allowed if the spouse is the beneficiary, or if the spouse agrees to another beneficiary and any future changes follow the same consent rules .

• Who is affected: People with defined contribution retirement plans and their spouses; plan administrators.
• What changes: Written spousal consent is required for most withdrawals and beneficiary choices, with a 90‑day consent window and witnessing by a plan rep or notary; consent can be skipped only if there is no spouse, the marriage is under 1 year, the spouse can’t be found, or other limited cases set by regulators.
• Key exceptions: Small withdrawals (up to 25% once per account), required minimum distributions, certain survivor annuities, or a full payout if 50% goes to the spouse’s IRA; specific rollover rules also protect the spouse’s rights .