The Washington Report

If you elect to comment or engage with our content via third-party social media websites, you authorize Aon to have access to certain social media profile information. Please click here to learn more about information that may be collected when using these tools on Aon.com

March 9, 2022

Note to Subscribers

While we do our best to provide timely updates, it is possible that the information shared in the newsletter may change or be revised after our publication deadline.

Executive

President Signs Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act Into Law
On March 3, 2022, President Biden signed into law the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act of 2021 (H.R. 4445 – P.L.117-90). The House and Senate approved the bill in February. The law invalidates arbitration agreements that preclude a party from filing a lawsuit in court involving sexual assault or sexual harassment, at the election of the party alleging such conduct.

The full text of H.R. 4445 is available here.

COVID-19

White House Launches Test-to-Treat Initiative as Part of National COVID-19 Preparedness Plan
On March 8, 2022, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a nationwide Test-to-Treat initiative, as part of President Biden’s National COVID-19 Preparedness Plan. The new Test-to-Treat Initiative will “give individuals an important new way to rapidly access free lifesaving treatment for COVID-19… people will be able to get tested, and—if they are positive and treatments are appropriate for them—receive a prescription from a qualified health care provider, and have their prescription filled all in one location. These ‘One-Stop Test-to-Treat’ locations will be available at hundreds of locations nationwide, including pharmacy-based clinics, federally qualified community health centers, and long-term care facilities.” The program is run by HHS and includes a direct allocation of antiviral pills to participating clinics, centers, and facilities.

The HHS news release is available here.

The HHS Fact Sheet is available here.

Information on the National COVID-19 Preparedness Plan is available here.

Retirement

IRS Releases Proposed Regulations on Required Minimum Distributions
On February 23, 2022, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released proposed regulations relating to required minimum distributions from qualified plans, Section 403(b) annuity contracts, individual retirement accounts and annuities, and eligible deferred compensation plans under Section 457. The regulations reflect changes due to the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act (SECURE Act) which increased the required commencement age from 70½ to 72 and made other changes to commencement requirements. Several other modifications to the rules are incorporated to reflect IRS guidance previously provided. Overall, while the structure of the regulations has changed from a question and answer format, the changes impact only specific areas that required regulations due to the SECURE Act. Comments on the proposed regulations must be received by May 25, 2022. Outlines of topics to be discussed at the public hearing scheduled for June 15, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. must also be received by May 25, 2022. As proposed, the regulations would be effective for minimum distributions for calendar years beginning on or after January 1, 2022.

The proposed regulations are available here.

Other HR/Employment

IRS Updates FAQs for Tax Credits for Paid Leave Under the American Rescue Plan Act
On March 3, 2022, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) updated its frequently asked questions (FAQs) on Tax Credits for Paid Leave Under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 for Leave After March 31, 2021. These FAQs additions are as follows:

New—Tax Credits for Paid Leave Under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021: Special Issues for Employers—Other Issues: Q98a
New—Tax Credits for Paid Leave Under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021: Specific Provisions Related to Self-Employed Individuals: Q116a