Trade Associations
Here's a look at documents from national and international trade associations
Featured Stories
XPONENTIAL Europe Advances Global Autonomy and Mobility, Setting the Stage for XPONENTIAL 2026 in Detroit
ARLINGTON, Virginia, March 28 -- The Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International issued the following news release:
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XPONENTIAL Europe Advances Global Autonomy and Mobility, Setting the Stage for XPONENTIAL 2026 in Detroit
XPONENTIAL Europe 2026 concluded its gathering for the global autonomy and robotics industry, bringing together approximately 360 exhibitors from 43 countries alongside thousands of industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators. The event reflected the industry's rapid growth, increasing strategic importance, and rising demand for autonomous systems across
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ARLINGTON, Virginia, March 28 -- The Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International issued the following news release:
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XPONENTIAL Europe Advances Global Autonomy and Mobility, Setting the Stage for XPONENTIAL 2026 in Detroit
XPONENTIAL Europe 2026 concluded its gathering for the global autonomy and robotics industry, bringing together approximately 360 exhibitors from 43 countries alongside thousands of industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators. The event reflected the industry's rapid growth, increasing strategic importance, and rising demand for autonomous systems acrosscommercial, civil, and defense applications.
"XPONENTIAL Europe showcased the innovation, collaboration, and expertise shaping the future of robotics and autonomous systems," said Michael Robbins, President & CEO of AUVSI. "Trusted partners from around the world participated in live technology demonstrations, shared insights, and forged connections that will strengthen resilient supply chains and drive the next generation of autonomous systems. We look forward to continuing the conversation and building on this momentum at XPONENTIAL in Detroit this May."
A Global Platform for Autonomy and Robotics
XPONENTIAL Europe reinforced its position as Europe's leading event for robotics and autonomous technologies, showcasing the full value chain, from components and sensors to AI-enabled systems and operational platforms across air, land, maritime, and space.
This year's program emphasized:
* Integration and governance, including regulatory harmonization and safety frameworks
* Defense, resilience, and critical infrastructure protection
* AI integration and investment to scale autonomy across industries
Keynotes brought together senior leaders from government, industry, and international institutions, including German Federal Minister of Transport Patrick Schnieder, Gerald Wissel of the European Association for Unmanned Aviation (UAV DACH), Member of European Parliament Jan-Christoph Oetjen, and Executive Director of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency Florian Guillermet, underscoring the importance of cross-sector collaboration.
From Europe to Detroit
The outcomes of XPONENTIAL Europe underscore a broader shift toward real-world deployment of autonomous systems, with increasing alignment across industry, government, and research communities.
That momentum will continue at XPONENTIAL 2026 in Detroit this May. As the world's largest global conference for robotics and autonomous systems, the event will convene experts from more than 20 industries and 60 countries. Held in Detroit for the first time, it reflects the city's leadership in mobility, advanced manufacturing, and applied innovation.
As adoption accelerates, XPONENTIAL 2026 will bring together stakeholders to further advance solutions to the safety, trust, regulation, and commercialization challenges shaping how autonomy is deployed at scale.
Taking place May 11-14 at Huntington Place, the event builds on the momentum from XPONENTIAL Europe as the next key global convening point for the autonomy ecosystem. Attendees are encouraged to register now to take advantage of early bird rates, which expire today, March 27.
What You Will See on the Show Floor
XPONENTIAL 2026 will feature:
* Live demonstrations of drones, autonomous vehicles, robotics, and AI systems
* Industry applications spanning manufacturing, defense, logistics, public safety, and infrastructure inspection
* Media briefings with technology developers, end users, and industry leaders
* Defense integration via co-located Michigan Defense Exposition (MDEX), connecting stakeholders around emerging tech, acquisition priorities, and deployment
Media Registration
Credentialed media are invited to register for access to demonstrations, hands-on showcases, and interview opportunities with leaders shaping the future of autonomy.
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About AUVSI
The Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) is the world's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the uncrewed systems, autonomy, and robotics industry. AUVSI advocates for policy, education, and innovation that support safe and productive use of uncrewed systems.
About Messe Dusseldorf
Messe Dusseldorf is among the most successful trade fair organizers worldwide, hosting around 40 events--20 of them international--at its 613,000-square-meter exhibition center in Dusseldorf, Germany. Across 18 halls, international market leaders and top decision-makers from various sectors come together every year to present and discover innovations, exchange ideas, and network.
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Original text here: https://www.auvsi.org/news/xponential-europe-advances-global-autonomy-and-mobility-setting-the-stage-for-xponential-2026-in-detroit/
[Category: National Defense]
Soybean Farmers Applaud Trump Administration's Historic Biofuel Blending Rule to Bolster Domestic Demand for Agriculture
ST. LOUIS, Missouri, March 28 -- The American Soybean Association issued the following news release on March 27, 2026:
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Soybean Farmers Applaud Trump Administration's Historic Biofuel Blending Rule to Bolster Domestic Demand for Agriculture
Today, the American Soybean Association applauded President Trump, Administrator Lee Zeldin, and Secretary Brooke Rollins for finalizing historic renewable volume obligations for biomass-based diesel for 2026 and 2027, which will bolster U.S. soybean farmers and boost soy-based domestic biofuel production. The new RVO rule supports the directive of the
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ST. LOUIS, Missouri, March 28 -- The American Soybean Association issued the following news release on March 27, 2026:
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Soybean Farmers Applaud Trump Administration's Historic Biofuel Blending Rule to Bolster Domestic Demand for Agriculture
Today, the American Soybean Association applauded President Trump, Administrator Lee Zeldin, and Secretary Brooke Rollins for finalizing historic renewable volume obligations for biomass-based diesel for 2026 and 2027, which will bolster U.S. soybean farmers and boost soy-based domestic biofuel production. The new RVO rule supports the directive of theTrump Administration to champion American energy dominance, with the future intention to prioritize U.S.-grown biofuels.
"U.S. soybean farmers needed a win to boost domestic markets this year, and President Trump, Administrator Zeldin, and Secretary Rollins delivered in a big way. ASA is grateful for the tireless efforts of EPA and USDA to ensure the soy biofuel value chain could benefit from the strongest RVOs ever finalized," said Scott Metzger, ASA President and farmer from Ohio. "The 2026-2027 RVOs will increase soybean oil use, boost U.S. soybean processing, and grow domestic biofuel markets for our crop. ASA and our soybean farmer members applaud the Trump Administration for getting this tremendous rule across the finish line."
The updated 2026-2027 Renewable Volume Obligation rule will increase biomass-based diesel blending to approximately 5.4-5.5 billion gallons--an over 60% increase from 2025 volumes. Further, the rule reallocates 70% of retroactive 2023-2025 small refinery exemption volumes that EPA took action on last year in addition to the 2026-2027 compliance years. ASA appreciated EPA clearing a significant backlog of legacy SREs dating back to 2016, which were remanded to the agency, and is glad to see a significant reallocation of volumes back into the blending pool to support additional biofuel production and increase soybean demand.
While the rule does not make immediate changes to prioritize domestically sourced biofuel feedstocks, ASA celebrated the EPA announcement to reduce credit generation for imported biofuels and biofuel feedstocks beginning in 2028. If maintained in the next RVOs, the credit reduction for imports will serve as a significant economic driver for the entire domestic biomass-based diesel value chain and will catalyze domestic demand for U.S. soy.
Domestic biofuel production accounts for over half of all domestic soybean oil consumption and serves as a critical U.S. market for soybean farmers. Renewable volume obligations set through the Renewable Fuel Standard are the cornerstone of driving domestic soy-based biofuel demand. The EPA 2026-2027 Renewable Volume Obligations are the most significant year-over-year improvement in Renewable Fuel Standard rulemaking for biomass-based diesel and, subsequently, for U.S. soybean farmers.
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Original text here: https://soygrowers.com/news-releases/soybean-farmers-applaud-trump-administrations-historic-biofuel-blending-rule-to-bolster-domestic-demand-for-agriculture/
[Category: Agriculture]
Nexus 2026, American Telemedicine Association's 30th Annual Conference, To Focus On Scaling Digital Care
ARLINGTON, Virginia, March 28 -- The American Telemedicine Association issued the following news release on March 27, 2026:
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NEXUS 2026, AMERICAN TELEMEDICINE ASSOCIATION'S 30TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE, TO FOCUS ON SCALING DIGITAL CARE
FIRST 200 SPEAKERS ANNOUNCED
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WASHINGTON, DC, AND ORLANDO, FL - The American Telemedicine Association (ATA), the premier organization dedicated to advancing telehealth and virtual care, will hold its 30th Annual Conference - NEXUS 2026 - May 12-14 in Orlando, FL. This year's conference will bring together digital health leaders for three full days of focused,
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ARLINGTON, Virginia, March 28 -- The American Telemedicine Association issued the following news release on March 27, 2026:
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NEXUS 2026, AMERICAN TELEMEDICINE ASSOCIATION'S 30TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE, TO FOCUS ON SCALING DIGITAL CARE
FIRST 200 SPEAKERS ANNOUNCED
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WASHINGTON, DC, AND ORLANDO, FL - The American Telemedicine Association (ATA), the premier organization dedicated to advancing telehealth and virtual care, will hold its 30th Annual Conference - NEXUS 2026 - May 12-14 in Orlando, FL. This year's conference will bring together digital health leaders for three full days of focused,hands-on sessions, emphasizing practical strategies and collaborative problem-solving to address the operational, clinical, and strategic hurdles of expanding digital care.
Designed for innovators and decision-makers, NEXUS 2026 provides the space to learn, share, and develop actionable approaches that advance digital health from concept to sustainable impact. The program prioritizes candid, implementation-focused learning. Health systems and digital care leaders share practical lessons from building, scaling, and adapting programs--providing realistic insights and frameworks from across the field.
WHAT: NEXUS 2026 Annual Conference
DATE: May 12-14, 2026
LOCATION: Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Hotel, Orlando, FL
Virtual care has moved beyond experimentation. Technology, teams, and evidence now demonstrate that virtual care delivers real results. The next challenge is scaling these solutions effectively amid reimbursement uncertainties, economic pressures, and evolving policy landscapes. The NEXUS 2026 program focuses on outcomes, building the tools, strategies, and next steps needed to implement immediately.
"Virtual care doesn't move forward in isolation, it moves forward when the right people are tackling the hardest problems side by side, and that's precisely what NEXUS 2026 is built for," said Kyle Zebley, CEO of the ATA. "Celebrating our 30th annual conference, we've designed a three-day experience where 200+ expert speakers and the field's most engaged practitioners converge around AI, remote monitoring, telehealth policy, direct-to-consumer innovation, and beyond -- not to observe progress, but to drive it."
GENERAL REGISTRATION:
Visit NEXUS 2026 (https://ata-nexus.org/) for more information and easy online registration (https://ata-nexus.org/registration/).
MEDIA REGISTRATION:
For complimentary Press Credentials, please contact Gina Cella at gcella@americantelemed.org or visit NEXUS 2026 and use code ATA26PRMEDIA to register online
Sessions and learning formats featuring practical lessons and proven models presented by leading clinicians and ATA Center of Digital Excellence (ATA CODE) health system executives include:
* Three-hour Deep Dives
- Activating AI Responsibly: Governance, Validation, and Deployment Strategies
- Closing the Distance: Digital Health Strategies for Rural Access
- Legal & Regulatory Framework for Digital Health: Compliance, Policy, & Risk Management
* Main Stage Presentations
- The Bets That Made Digital Health Permanent - Will Kimbrough, MD, Amazon Health; Sarah Pletcher, MD, Houston Methodist; Jon Thiboutot, CVS Health
- Beyond the Screen: When Consumer Technology Becomes Clinical Care - Charlotte Yeh, MD, Yeh Innovations; Joe Kvedar, MD, Harvard Medical School; Jessica DaMassa, WTF Health
- Washington, Business, and the Future of Virtual Care - Lexi Branson, U.S. Chamber of Commerce; Nate Lacktman, Foley & Lardner
- Follow the Money: Digital Health Investment Priorities & What They Signal - Rachel Feinman, Tampa General Hospital Ventures; Samir Batra, HIP
- Flipping the Switch on Federal Policy: How the Administration Is Advancing Digital Health - Kenneth Callahan and Tom Keane, MD, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS); Sarah-Lloyd Stevenson, Amazon
* Telehealth Innovators Challenge - live pitch competition featuring finalists presenting their game-changing digital solutions that will transform the future of healthcare.
* System Spotlights
- Clinical Command Centers: Operations Models That Work - Allyson Gordon, PA, MedStar Health; Paul Moots, MD, OSF OnCall; Lisbeth Votruba MSN, RN, AvaSure
- Seeing Further: How Bascom Palmer Is Using Extended Reality and Telehealth to Reimagine Specialist Access - Giselle Ricur, MD
- MaineHealth: Program Evaluation Driving Virtual Nursing Impact - Merydeth Charlton RN, MSN
- Advocate Health: Enhancing Nurse Wellbeing: Scalable Virtual Solutions for Reducing Bedside Burden - Laura Rashleger DNP, RN; Russell Tremblay MSN, NEA-BC; Jessica Yates DNP, RN
* Peer Exchange Roundtables
- Financial Models for Virtual Care Scale: Building Your Business Case - Ethan Booker, MD, MedStar; Rachelle Longo, Ochsner Health
- Patient-Centered Virtual Care Design: What Patients Actually Want - Emily Warr, MSN, RN, MUSC; David Fairchild, MD, CVS Health; Charlotte Yeh, MD, Yeh Innovations
* Concurrent Sessions - best practices in virtual care delivery, DTC strategies, policy updates, and more.
* Express Theater Talks - practical takeaways on the latest in virtual care and digital innovation.
* Research Oral and Poster Presentations - latest data driving value and impact of virtual care.
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About the ATA
The American Telemedicine Association (ATA) is the catalyst for advancing innovation and the transformation of healthcare through virtual care, digital health, hybrid delivery, and AI-enabled care models. Representing the most diverse ecosystem in healthcare - including leading health systems, academic medical centers, payers, technology innovators, life sciences companies, and clinician leaders - the ATA advances clinical standards, policy leadership, education, and evidence frameworks that accelerate high-quality, technology-enabled care. Through its policy and legislative advocacy arm, ATA Action, the organization drives federal and state policy change to support sustainable, modernized, digitally enabled healthcare for all.
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Original text here: https://www.americantelemed.org/press-releases/nexus-2026-american-telemedicine-associations-30th-annual-conference-to-focus-on-scaling-digital-care/
[Category: Medical]
New York Appellate Court Prevents Enforcement of Key Refrigerant Ban Provision
COLUMBUS, Ohio, March 28 -- The Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Distributors International issued the following news release:
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New York Appellate Court Prevents Enforcement of Key Refrigerant Ban Provision
The Appellate Division of the New York State Supreme Court, Third Department, has issued a ruling that temporarily prevents the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) from enforcing a ban on two refrigerants utilized in the maintenance of commercial refrigeration systems employed by numerous businesses throughout the state. The court has granted an
... Show Full Article
COLUMBUS, Ohio, March 28 -- The Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Distributors International issued the following news release:
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New York Appellate Court Prevents Enforcement of Key Refrigerant Ban Provision
The Appellate Division of the New York State Supreme Court, Third Department, has issued a ruling that temporarily prevents the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) from enforcing a ban on two refrigerants utilized in the maintenance of commercial refrigeration systems employed by numerous businesses throughout the state. The court has granted anOrder to Show Cause in the ongoing legal challenge to the state's refrigerant regulations brought by Heating, Air-conditioning, & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI).
As part of the court's decision, the existing enforcement discretion pertaining to R-404A and R-507A set to expire on March 31, 2026, is extended, and the NYSDEC is enjoined and restrained from enforcing the prohibition contained in Part 494-1.4(f)(1) pending a determination on HARDI's request for a preliminary injunction.
This action provides immediate and critical relief to businesses across New York that rely on refrigerants to maintain safe and reliable food storage, distribution, and retail operations. A recent study by HARDI found that an estimated 18,130 refrigeration systems rely on the refrigerants protected by this court order, and that if the prohibition ultimately is allowed to take effect, it will cost the state $106.2 million in economic output. The court's decision ensures that the current supply of refrigerants can continue to be used while the request for a preliminary injunction is decided.
"HARDI thanks the court for recognizing there is a critical issue with the refrigerant prohibition in Part 494," said Alex Ayers, Vice President of Government Affairs. "The court recognized the urgency of the situation and the need to prevent disruption while these serious legal and practical concerns are fully considered."
HARDI and industry stakeholders have consistently warned that the refrigerant restrictions in Part 494, particularly the prohibition on commonly used refrigerants, are not aligned with current market realities. Supply constraints and limited alternatives have raised significant concerns about businesses' ability to comply without jeopardizing operations.
Without relief, HARDI warned that the regulation would lead to refrigerant shortages that could disrupt food supply chains, increase costs, and impact consumers statewide.
By granting the Order to Show Cause and temporarily blocking enforcement of the prohibition, the court has preserved market stability and provided time for a determination on the request for a preliminary injunction.
"This decision reinforces what we have been saying all along: the timeline and structure of Part 494 are unworkable," Ayers added. "We remain committed to pursuing a durable solution that protects the environment, ensures viability of essential refrigeration, and prevents unnecessary cost increases for consumers."
The case will now proceed as the court considers whether to grant a preliminary injunction. In the meantime, HARDI is urging the New York State Legislature to take action to address the underlying issues with Part 494 and ensure a more practical, coordinated approach that aligns with federal standards and avoids unnecessary harm to consumers and businesses.
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Original text here: https://hardinet.org/posts/press-release/new-york-appellate-court-prevents-enforcement-of-key-refrigerant-ban
[Category: Air Conditioning/Refrigeration]
National Corn Growers Association President Applauds Release of RVO Numbers
CHESTERFIELD, Missouri, March 28 -- The National Corn Growers Association issued the following news:
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National Corn Growers Association President Applauds Release of RVO Numbers
President Trump released the Environmental Protection Agency's proposed biofuel blending volumes under the Renewable Fuel Standard during an event today for farmers at the White House.
Growers also noted the approach to the partial reallocation of small refinery exemptions, the mark was set at 70%.
In response to the development, Ohio farmer and National Corn Growers Association President Jed Bower, who was present
... Show Full Article
CHESTERFIELD, Missouri, March 28 -- The National Corn Growers Association issued the following news:
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National Corn Growers Association President Applauds Release of RVO Numbers
President Trump released the Environmental Protection Agency's proposed biofuel blending volumes under the Renewable Fuel Standard during an event today for farmers at the White House.
Growers also noted the approach to the partial reallocation of small refinery exemptions, the mark was set at 70%.
In response to the development, Ohio farmer and National Corn Growers Association President Jed Bower, who was presentat the White House for the announcement, issued the following statement:
"Our deep thanks goes to President Trump and Administrator Zeldin for releasing these robust RVO numbers in an exceptionally timely manner and, appropriately, during an event honoring America's farmers. This action provides certainty to corn farmers across the country who rely on a stable biofuels industry.
"Today's announcement, coupled with the Trump administration's E15 summertime waiver earlier this week, is a positive move for the nation's corn growers who are navigating an exceptionally difficult economic environment.
"There is still more to be done to help our growers, and we look forward to working side-by-side with the president and our allies in Congress to get permanent year-round E15 legislation over the finish line."
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Original text here: https://www.ncga.com/stay-informed/media/in-the-news/article/2026/03/national-corn-growers-association-president-applauds-release-of-rvo-numbers
[Category: Agriculture]
NATA Applauds House T&I Committee Approval of ALERT Act
WASHINGTON, March 28 -- The National Air Transportation Association issued the following news release on March 26, 2026:
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NATA Applauds House T&I Committee Approval of ALERT Act
NATA (the National Air Transportation Association) today applauded the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure's unanimous approval of the Airspace Location and Enhanced Risk Transparency (ALERT) Act, bipartisan legislation aimed at strengthening aviation safety across the National Airspace System.
The ALERT Act advances a performance-based approach to aviation safety by supporting stronger risk mitigation,
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, March 28 -- The National Air Transportation Association issued the following news release on March 26, 2026:
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NATA Applauds House T&I Committee Approval of ALERT Act
NATA (the National Air Transportation Association) today applauded the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure's unanimous approval of the Airspace Location and Enhanced Risk Transparency (ALERT) Act, bipartisan legislation aimed at strengthening aviation safety across the National Airspace System.
The ALERT Act advances a performance-based approach to aviation safety by supporting stronger risk mitigation,improving situational awareness for pilots and controllers, strengthening FAA safety culture, and encouraging more consistent training and procedures in complex operating environments.
"Today's vote reflects a thoughtful approach to strengthening aviation safety and supporting faster deployment of critical safety technology," said NATA President and CEO Curt Castagna. "NATA appreciates the leadership of Chairman Sam Graves, Ranking Member Rick Larsen, Aviation Subcommittee Chairman Troy Nehls, and Ranking Member Andre Carson in advancing legislation that recognizes the value of flexible implementation. Importantly, the legislation creates a pathway for swift deployment of available safety technologies while supporting continued progress on longer-term collision avoidance and system integration efforts across the aviation system."
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Original text here: https://nata.aero/press/nata-applauds-house-ti-committee-approval-of-alert-act/
[Category: Transportation]
American Society of Pension Professionals & Actuaries Posts Commentary: Navigating the QDRO Process: PBGC Offers Some Help
ARLINGTON, Virginia, March 28 -- The American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries posted the following commentary by John Iekel:
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Navigating the QDRO Process: PBGC Offers Some Help
When the couple who formed a household that has benefited from PBGC protection divorce, that revenue becomes part of the assets that must be considered. The PBGC has issued a guide about dividing the benefits it has provided in such a circumstance.
Benefits the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) provides affect -- and benefit -- real people. Both individuals and households. But even that
... Show Full Article
ARLINGTON, Virginia, March 28 -- The American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries posted the following commentary by John Iekel:
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Navigating the QDRO Process: PBGC Offers Some Help
When the couple who formed a household that has benefited from PBGC protection divorce, that revenue becomes part of the assets that must be considered. The PBGC has issued a guide about dividing the benefits it has provided in such a circumstance.
Benefits the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) provides affect -- and benefit -- real people. Both individuals and households. But even thatbeneficial effect can sometimes be complicated.
Unfortunately, sometimes households break apart. And when that household has benefited from the protection afforded by the PBGC, that revenue becomes part of the assets that must be considered if there is a divorce. The PBGC has issued a guide about dividing the benefits it has provided in such a circumstance.
In "Qualified Domestic Relations Orders: A Practical Guide to Dividing PBGC Benefits in Divorce," the PBGC seeks to provide assistance with the QDRO process and to help ensure that the participant and alternate payee will receive PBGC benefits as determined in a divorce proceeding. It is intended for people who are trying to divide a benefit in a PBGC-trusteed pension plan as part of a divorce settlement.
Why this Matters
A couple can amass substantial revenue through PBGC benefits, and what to do with them in the event of a divorce is an important matter. "Benefits paid by PBGC can be significant financial assets," says the agency. "When there is a divorce, it is important that the divorce decree clearly addresses whether and how these retirement plan benefits will be divided," it continues.
But a divorce decree may not be enough.
Why?
The PBGC notes that a valid Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO), which is usually a separate order from the divorce decree and settlement agreement, spells out clearly how the PBGC should divide a pension benefit after a divorce happens. "A QDRO approved by PBGC must be in place for PBGC to divide a pension after a divorce," says the agency, and not failing to get one and secure PBGC approval of it may result in the loss of benefits.
Without a QDRO, the PBGC warns, it can only pay benefits to (1) the participant or (2) a beneficiary after the participant dies. Period. Regardless of what the divorce decree may say about how, and to whom, payments should be made. Without a valid QDRO, a former spouse usually cannot be paid any portion of the participant's benefit.
QDRO Basics
The PBGC provides a refresher on what a QDRO is and does. A QDRO, it notes, is a domestic relations order (DRO) from a state court or other designated state authority. A retirement plan administrator must "qualify" -- that is, approve -- the DRO before it can take effect. A QDRO authorizes a portion of a participant's benefits to be paid to an alternate payee, such as a former spouse, child, or other dependent.
Action Steps
The PBGC suggests that before drafting a QDRO, one should:
* Identify the participant.
* Identify the alternate payee -- the person receiving at least part of the benefit, such as a participant's former spouse, child, or other dependent.
* Determine the QDRO's purpose: Most QDROs serve one of two different purposes.
* Ask questions, such as:
* Is the alternate payee the participant's spouse, former spouse, child or another dependent?
* Is the goal to divide future benefit payments and provide for survivor benefits after the participant's death?
* Does the alternate payee want a separate right to receive a portion of the benefit, payable over his or her lifetime?
The answers to these questions, says the PBGC, will guide drafting the QDRO and what details to include in it.
How the Benefits Are Divided
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Retirement benefits are divided through a QDRO by using one of two methods: a shared payment approach and a separate interest approach. Which to use, says the PBGC, depends on the type of plan, the timing of payments, and the parties' goals.
Shared payment approach. Through this approach, each participant's monthly payment is divided between the participant and the alternate payee as the payments are made. Important considerations In drafting a QDRO under this approach include that (1) the alternate payee receives a share of each payment the participant would receive, (2) if the participant is already receiving benefits, a shared payment approach is the only type of QDRO that PBGC can qualify, and (3) the alternate payee won't receive any payments under the QDRO if the participant never starts receiving benefits from the PBGC.
Separate interest approach. Through this approach, an alternate payee receives a separate, independent right to a portion of the participant's retirement benefit. Important considerations include that one should (1) specify the amount, percentage, or method for calculating the alternate payee's share of the participant's retirement benefit and (2) clarify the number of payments or the period to which the QDRO applies.
Survivor Benefits
Federal law requires all retirement plans to provide benefits in a way that includes a survivor benefit for a participant's spouse. To determine the survivor benefits available, the PBGC suggests that before drafting a QDRO, one determine who is entitled to the plan's survivor benefits.
Typically, says the PBGC, the survivor benefits available are the plan's qualified pre-retirement survivor annuity (QPSA), which is payable if the participant dies before starting to receive benefits, and qualified joint-and-survivor annuity (QJSA), which is the form of benefit paid to a married participant unless the participant's spouse consents to the election of a different benefit form.
Once a participant has elected a form of benefit and has begun receiving benefit payments, the named beneficiary (and survivor benefits) cannot be changed.
The PBGC also notes that if another former spouse is already entitled to the survivor benefits under a different QDRO, a new QDRO cannot change the beneficiary.
Best Practices
The PBGC suggests some best practices concerning PBGC involvement with QDROs.
* Contact the PBGC for information about the retirement benefit before the start of drafting a QDRO.
* Alternate Payees must follow the instructions outlined in Appendix G of Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDRO) and PBGC to submit a written request for information to the PBGC's Disclosure Division about the participant's benefit entitlement from the PBGC.
* Review the PBGC's written QDRO procedures outlined in Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDRO) and PBGC.
* Get benefit information as soon as possible -- preferably before the divorce is finalized.
* Review model QDRO the PBGC has created.
* Review the checklist the PBGC makes available for QDRO preparation.
* Requested a preliminary review from the PBGC before submitting your proposed QDRO to the state court.
Caveats
While the PBGC can work with ODROs, there are limits. The PBGC can review and qualify only QDROs that involve plans it has taken over as trustee. While a QDRO that divides a benefit in a PBGC-trusteed plan should be submitted to PBGC, other QDROs that involve other other retirement plans should be sent to those plans' administrators.
And the PBGC notes that "Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDRO) and PBGC," provides "significantly more detail" than this guide. It adds that if there is a conflict between the two, the guidance in that document takes precedence.
Finding Out More
"Qualified Domestic Relations Orders: A Practical Guide to Dividing PBGC Benefits in Divorce" is available here.
"Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDRO) and PBGC" is available here (https://www.pbgc.gov/sites/default/files/qdro.pdf).
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Original text here: https://www.asppa-net.org/news/2026/3/navigating-the-qdro-process-pbgc-offers-some-help/
[Category: Human Resources/Personnel]
