Supreme Court refuses to hear challenge to CalSavers

Supreme Court refuses to hear challenge to CalSavers
California prevailed in a legal battle over its auto-IRA program.
FEB 28, 2022

California prevailed Monday in a battle over its auto-IRA, CalSavers, when the Supreme Court refused to hear a challenge to the legality of the program.

“The United States Supreme Court’s denial of review preserves the ability of millions of hard-working Californians to save for their futures through this portable, simple option,” Fiona Ma, the treasurer of California, said in a statement. Ma chairs the CalSavers Retirement Savings Board.

The Supreme Court decision is good news not only for CalSavers, but for the other states and municipalities that operate similar programs.

In 2018, the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association had sued to block the CalSavers program on the grounds that it was illegal because it was preempted by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act.

A California District Court judge dismissed the suit in April 2019 and the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed that decision in May 2021.

CalSavers has more than $186 million in assets, with about 30,000 employers registered and 233,000 people enrolled, according to the statement.

Latest News

The 2025 InvestmentNews Awards Excellence Awardees revealed
The 2025 InvestmentNews Awards Excellence Awardees revealed

From outstanding individuals to innovative organizations, find out who made the final shortlist for top honors at the IN awards, now in its second year.

Top RIA Cresset warns of 'inevitable' recession amid tariff uncertainty
Top RIA Cresset warns of 'inevitable' recession amid tariff uncertainty

Cresset's Susie Cranston is expecting an economic recession, but says her $65 billion RIA sees "great opportunity" to keep investing in a down market.

Edward Jones joins the crowd to sell more alternative investments
Edward Jones joins the crowd to sell more alternative investments

“There’s a big pull to alternative investments right now because of volatility of the stock market,” Kevin Gannon, CEO of Robert A. Stanger & Co., said.

Record RIA M&A activity marks strong start to 2025
Record RIA M&A activity marks strong start to 2025

Sellers shift focus: It's not about succession anymore.

IB+ Data Hub offers strategic edge for U.S. wealth advisors and RIAs advising business clients
IB+ Data Hub offers strategic edge for U.S. wealth advisors and RIAs advising business clients

Platform being adopted by independent-minded advisors who see insurance as a core pillar of their business.

SPONSORED Compliance in real time: Technology's expanding role in RIA oversight

RIAs face rising regulatory pressure in 2025. Forward-looking firms are responding with embedded technology, not more paperwork.

SPONSORED Advisory firms confront crossroads amid historic wealth transfer

As inheritances are set to reshape client portfolios and next-gen heirs demand digital-first experiences, firms are retooling their wealth tech stacks and succession models in real time.