PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 383.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in House · Sep 8, 2025
Retire through Ownership Act
This bill allows the fiduciary of an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) to rely on a valuation provided by an independent valuation or business appraiser in determining the fair market value of the plan's assets if the assets are not securities for which there is a generally recognized market and the expert or appraiser follows specified methodologies.
In general, ESOPs are defined contribution pension plans where employees accrue shares of their employers' stock in individual accounts as part of their compensation. After separating from employment or retiring, employees receive the cash value of their shares.
Under the bill, an independent appraiser or expert must adhere to the methodology established under the Internal Revenue Service Ruling 59-60, which prescribes the factors a professional business appraiser should consider in forming a valuation of the stock for a closely held business.
People & committees
Rep. Allen, Rick W. [R-GA-12] · R–GA
Legislative record
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Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 383.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Education and Workforce. H. Rept. 119-448.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Education and Workforce. H. Rept. 119-448.
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 35 - 0.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Oct 26, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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