A Republican bill with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See all 11 cosponsors
Last activity — Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 22 - 12.
Introduced, nothing more yet
Formally proposed, and not yet handed to a committee.
Nearly every bill is sent to a committee within days. Introduction alone is not a sign of support, of momentum, or of any likelihood of passing — any member may introduce any bill.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
What this bill would do
The Form 5500 Filing Simplification Act aims to amend the Employment Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. It seeks to simplify the filing process for employee benefit plan administrators. The bill changes the deadlines for filing certain reports related to employee benefit plans. It also mandates that the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of Labor, and the Director of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation modify returns and reports to allow for electronic signatures. Additionally, the bill provides for good-faith reliance on these new provisions while implementation occurs.
Yes· 3 of 5
- Scored +4
Would business owners be better off under this?
The bill simplifies compliance procedures and provides deadline flexibility for business-related benefit plan administration.
- Scored +3
Does this make it easier to run a small business?
The bill reduces administrative burdens by simplifying Form 5500 filing deadlines and allowing electronic signatures.
- Scored +2
Would union members be better off under this?
Simplifying the administration of employee benefit plans can ensure smoother reporting for those participating in such plans.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Disaster Relief Flexibility: Under Section 2(a)(1), the Secretary may determine a later filing time if a plan, sponsor, administrator, participant, beneficiary, or other person has been affected by a disaster, fire, or specific actions described in the Internal Revenue Code. This could provide much-needed relief to those facing unexpected hardships.
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Electronic Signature Modernization: Section 2(c)(1) requires that the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of Labor, and the Director of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation modify reports to permit them to be signed through electronic means. This modernization could simplify the reporting process for various parties.
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Good-Faith Protection: Section 2(c)(2) allows a plan to be treated as satisfying requirements if it complies in good faith while waiting for the required electronic signature modifications to be implemented. This protects entities from being out of compliance during the transition period.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Changes to Filing Deadlines: Section 2(a)(1) and Section 2(a)(2) amend the timing requirements for filing with the Secretary and for annual reports of plan administrators. The bill replaces previous timing language with a specific deadline of 15 days after the end of the 9th calendar month following the close of the plan year.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would business owners be better off under this? — The bill simplifies compliance procedures and provides deadline flexibility for business-related benefit plan administration. Would union members be better off under this? — Simplifying the administration of employee benefit plans can ensure smoother reporting for those participating in such plans.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this make it easier to run a small business? — The bill reduces administrative burdens by simplifying Form 5500 filing deadlines and allowing electronic signatures.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — Modernizing filing requirements through electronic signatures can facilitate easier access to required reports.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this strengthen Social Security? — The bill streamlines the administration of employee benefit plans, which can include retirement protections.
- 5/21/2026
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 22 - 12.
- 5/19/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 4/30/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/12/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/4/2026
- Referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 8 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Rick AllenRepublican · Georgia
Randy FineRepublican · Florida
Abraham HamadehRepublican · Arizona
Mark HarrisRepublican · North Carolina
James MoylanRepublican · Guam
Mark MessmerRepublican · Indiana
Donald NorcrossDemocrat · New Jersey
David RouzerRepublican · North Carolina
John RoseRepublican · Tennessee
Michael RulliRepublican · Ohio
Joe WilsonRepublican · South Carolina