Democratic bill would require spousal consent for 401(k) distributions

Spousal consent would be required to start most distributions from 401(k) plans, under two companion bills sponsored by Democrats in Congress. The legislation aims to make defined-contribution plans more similar to traditional pensions in that regard. Unlike defined-benefit plans, DC plans aren’t legally required to make account holders get sign-off from a spouse when initiating payouts other than required minimum distributions or those made in the form of one of a few types of annuities, such as qualified joint and...