Advocacy Timeline

1974 - Modern ESOPs Are Born

1974 - Modern ESOPs Are Born

The Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) passes to address public concern that private pension plan funds were being mismanaged, and officially recognizes employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs). While employee ownership and equity (stock) plans have existed prior to this point, ERISA launches them formally as qualified retirement plans (QRPs) under federal law thereby subjecting them to regulation by the U.S. Department of Labor and the IRS.

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Read the latest esop report

ESOP Report_Vol 41-Issue 9
The ESOP Report | Volume 41, Issue 9 is now available for all our members.
ESOP Report
Capitol
Press Releases
October 15, 2026
President Trump Signs Landmark Retire Through Ownership Act Into Law
“This is the most important ESOP law enacted in decades, and The ESOP Association was proud to lead the advocacy effort to get it across the finish line, working closely with leaders of both parties,” said James Bonham, President and CEO of The ESOP Association. “The Retire Through Ownership Act strengthens confidence in the valuation process for millions of employee owners and gives business owners a clearer path to an ESOP transition. Combined with the Trump administration’s pro-ESOP direction at the Department of Labor, it creates a historic opportunity to expand employee ownership in America.”

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