The U.S. Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) published a notice in the Federal Register on August 3, 2026, announcing an amendment to an existing prohibited transaction exemption involving AT&T Inc. and its affiliates, headquartered in Dallas, Texas.
Labor Department Updates AT&T Retirement Plan Exemption
The amendment modifies Prohibited Transaction Exemption 2014-06 (PTE 2014-06), which was originally granted in July 2014. According to the official announcement, the exemption amendment adds new sections to the original exemption and extends the period during which certain otherwise-prohibited transactions involving AT&T are permitted under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA).
What the Amendment Changes
Specifically, the Department of Labor stated that the original Sections I, II, and III of PTE 2014-06 remain in effect for the period from September 9, 2013, through October 14, 2018. The amendment adds new Sections IV, V, VI, and VII, which cover transactions from October 15, 2018, through April 5, 2023. These new sections address definitions, covered transactions, conditions under which the exemption applies, and exemption dates.
Prohibited transaction exemptions under ERISA are granted by the Department of Labor to allow transactions that would otherwise be barred because they involve parties with potential conflicts of interest — such as a plan and an employer or affiliate — when the agency determines the transactions are nonetheless protective of, or at least not harmful to, the affected retirement plan participants and beneficiaries.
The exemption was originally applied for under Application Number D-11981. The amendment was published as a five-page notice in volume 91 of the Federal Register at page 48942. The notice was issued by EBSA, the Labor Department division responsible for administering and enforcing the fiduciary, reporting, and disclosure provisions of ERISA, which governs private-sector employee benefit plans.
Where to Learn More
This action is relevant to retirement plan participants and beneficiaries in AT&T-affiliated plans, as well as financial advisors, plan administrators, and compliance professionals who monitor ERISA exemption activity. Individuals seeking to understand how this exemption may apply to their specific plan or situation should consult the official Federal Register notice or contact the Employee Benefits Security Administration directly, as this article does not constitute individualized legal or financial advice.
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