EGTRRA changed the rules to allow rollovers from 457 plans. Is this effective for all distributions after 12/31/01, or for distributions during the first plan year beginning in 2002, or when is the provision effective? (I am not very familiar with 457 plans - are there 457 plans with non-calendar year plan years?)

If the distribution occurs 12/1/01, could the participant wait until after 12/31/01 and then roll over the amount received on 12/1/01?

The new rules apply to "distributions after December 31, 2001." EGTRRA § 641(f)(1). Thus, the plan year would be irrelevant. However, if the distribution occurred on or before December 31, 2001, the individual would not be able to roll it over, even if the rollover occurred after December 31, 2001.