In this edition of Just a Minute!, Council President Katy Johnson announces Deanna Johnson's retirement and her successor, Kim Durcho.

The Council welcomes Kim Durcho as the Council's new director, membership, and wishes a fond farewell to Deanna Johnson after more than 27 years of service to the organization.

A new program was recently launched in Nevada, amendments have been made to the Hawaii program, and additional launches and legislative activity are expected before the end of 2025.

The DOL has rescinded its 2021 supplemental statement that discouraged including alternative assets such as private equity in 401(k) investment menus.

The Council filed an amicus brief urging the 4th Circuit to review a district court decision allowing speculative PRT claims to proceed.

In response to significant adverse comments — including from the Council — the DOL will retain a regulation protecting certain pre-1999 insurance contracts (“Transition Policies”) from ERISA plan asset rules.

The Council has urged the DOL to recommend that the Solicitor General support Supreme Court review of Johnson v. Parker-Hannifin.

On August 7, 2025, President Trump issued an EO titled Democratizing Access to Alternative Assets for 401(k) Investors, directing the DOL and SEC to take steps that could expand access to alternative investments in defined contribution plans.

The Council will host a one-hour webinar, featuring guest speakers from the U.S. Treasury Department, on August 28 to describe and analyze the provisions of the recently enacted One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1) that are most relevant for retirement, health and paid leave benefit plan sponsors. 

In this episode, Katy Spangler (senior advisor, health policy) guides us through the past, present and future of HSA policy.

The Fair Billing Act would help lower health care costs by requiring hospital off-campus outpatient departments to include a unique identification number on claims for services.

A federal district court issued a preliminary injunction preventing Arkansas from enforcing a law that prohibits PBMs from holding an interest in a pharmacy operating in the state.