Legislative Tracker

Retire through Ownership Act

This bill allows the fiduciary of an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) to rely on a valuation provided by an independent valuation or business appraiser in determining the fair market value of the plan's securities if the securities are not traded on a national securities exchange (i.e., not publicly traded) and the expert or appraiser follows specified methodologies. 

In general, ESOPs are defined contribution pension plans where employees accrue shares of their employers' stock in individual accounts as part of their compensation. After separating from employment or retiring, employees receive the cash value of their shares.

Under the bill, an independent appraiser or expert must adhere to the methodology established under the Internal Revenue Service Ruling 59-60, which prescribes the factors a professional business appraiser should consider in forming a valuation of the stock for a closely held business. 

Retirement Investment in Small Employers Act 

This bill increases the federal tax credit limit for startup costs incurred by certain small businesses to establish a qualified retirement plan.

As background, a federal tax credit is allowed for 50% of the costs incurred by a small business with no more than 100 qualified employees (or 100% of such costs for a small business with no more than 50 qualified employees) to establish a qualified retirement plan. Under current law, the tax credit is limited to the greater of (1) $500, or (2) the lesser of $250 per eligible employee or $5,000. (Additional limits may apply.)

The bill increases the limit on the tax credit for retirement plan startup costs for employers with no more than 10 employees to the greater of (1) $2,500, or (2) the lesser of $250 per employee or $5,000.

For the increased tax credit limit to apply, the retirement plan established by the business must accept payment of the matching contribution under the Saver’s Match program. Under the Saver's Match program, beginning in 2027, individuals that meet certain requirements are eligible to have a federal matching contribution of up to $1,000 (or $2,000 for married joint filers) deposited into a qualified retirement account.

Dentist and Optometric Care Access Act of 2025 or the DOC Access Act of 2025

This bill prohibits private health insurance plans from setting rates for items and services, except for dental cleanings, provided by a doctor of optometry, of dental surgery, or of dental medicine (or an employer of such a doctor) for which the plan does not pay a substantial amount.

Additionally, an agreement between a plan and such a doctor for limited scope dental or vision benefits may last longer than two years only with the prior acceptance of the doctor for each term extension. Plans also may not restrict such a doctor's choice of laboratories or suppliers.

Such doctors may elect to waive the application of the payment amount and choice of laboratories provisions of this bill.

The bill does not supersede state laws regarding health insurers and dental or vision benefit plans.