Neguse seeks to revise spousal consent rules on retirement benefits in domestic violence cases

A bill introduced by Rep. Joe Neguse in the U.S. House would alter retirement benefit notification rules to safeguard those experiencing domestic violence, the U.S. Congress has shared.

Filed as H.R.7706 on Feb. 25, 2026, during the 119th Congress’ 2026 regular session, the bill’s main points are detailed here based on the actual bill text and may be restated for clarity.

This legislation would change spousal consent and notification requirements for receiving lump-sum retirement benefits under both the Federal Employee Retirement System and the Civil Service Retirement System if domestic violence is demonstrated. It provides for consent and notification waivers upon proof that notice to a spouse or former spouse could compromise an individual’s safety due to domestic violence. The act requires the Office of Personnel Management to establish needed regulations within a year of enactment, and these rules would take effect a year after being finalized.

The measure was introduced by Rep. Joe Neguse (Democrat-CO-2nd District) and co-sponsored by Rep. Stephanie I. Bice (Republican-CO-5th District), Rep. Debbie Dingell (Democrat-CO-6th District), and Rep. Summer L. Lee (Democrat-CO-12th District), along with three additional sponsors.

For the current session, Rep. Neguse has put forward 64 other bills.

Bills in Congress can originate in either the U.S. House of Representatives or the U.S. Senate—other than those related to revenue, which must begin in the House. Once introduced, measures are referred to committees for examination, hearings, amendments and debate prior to full chamber consideration. Legislation advances if identical versions are approved by both bodies, then moves to the president for approval or veto. Congress works on a two-year term cycle, with each term sequentially numbered and split in two annual sessions. The progression of the legislative process is tracked and published on Congress.gov by the U.S. Congress.

Joseph Neguse is a Colorado representative, first elected as a Democrat to the 116th Congress and its three subsequent sessions, starting January 3, 2019. He holds both a B.A. and a J.D. from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and has previously served as a university board of regents member (2009–2015) and as executive director of the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (2015–2017).

Details in this report rely on information from the U.S. Congress. Access the full source data here.