A Primer on Public Sector Automatic Enrollment
Automatically enrolling participants is one of the most effective methods for increasing participation in defined contribution retirement plans. However, while automatic enrollment was universally authorized in the private sector more than a decade ago through the Pension Protection Act of 2006, public sector defined contribution plans were not included in the legislation. For public sector plans, each state is responsible for determining whether or not they will allow automatic enrollment, and many states have laws preventing its establishment. This has created a muddled landscape that is highly localized with little consistency across states.
Automatic Enrollment Toolkit
Is your Plan considering pursuing auto enrollment legislation in your state? The Auto Enrollment Toolkit provides the information you need to get started. Developed by NAGDCA’s Legislative Committee, the toolkit includes an overview and in-depth guide for plan sponsors, FAQs, a customizable handout for use with policymakers, and model legislation to assist in your state’s advocacy efforts.
Automatic Enrollment Map
This tool describes who is allowed to implement automatic enrollment, who is not, and also shows the relevant laws in each state. Click on any state to learn more.
| States Allowing Auto Enrollment | States Preventing Auto Enrollment | States Allowing Some Auto Enrollment |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | 25 | 16 |
Yes – Automatic Enrollment Allowed for All Public Sector Plans
No – Automatic Enrollment Legally Prohibited for All Public Sector Plans
No – Automatic Enrollment Legally Prohibited Unless it is Collectively Bargained
Partial – Automatic Enrollment Legally Allowed for Some Public Sector Plans
Recently Proposed Laws Affecting Public Sector Automatic Enrollment
Recently Passed Laws Affecting Public Sector Automatic Enrollment
Ohio – The State of Ohio recently passed legislation to add automatic enrollment for all State employees. Read the bill here.
For questions related to this page, or if you are a plan administrator with information for your state, please contact us here.