Connecticut 2015 Regular Session

Connecticut House Bill HB07038

Introduced
3/19/15  

Caption

An Act Concerning The Establishment Of Tax-free Accounts To Provide For Disability Related Expenses Pursuant To The Federal Achieving A Better Life Experience Act.

Impact

The bill is expected to significantly impact individuals with disabilities by facilitating the accumulation of savings while maintaining access to critical public assistance programs. Investments made into these ABLE accounts will not count against the individual's eligibility for various assistance programs, including the state's temporary family assistance and medical assistance programs. Furthermore, the state will administer and oversee the Connecticut Achieving A Better Life Experience Trust, ensuring that qualified accounts are managed appropriately while attracting additional contributions from both private and public sources.

Summary

House Bill 07038, titled 'An Act Concerning The Establishment Of Tax-free Accounts To Provide For Disability Related Expenses Pursuant To The Federal Achieving A Better Life Experience Act,' aims to create and regulate tax-free ABLE accounts. These accounts are designed to help individuals with disabilities save for qualified expenses without jeopardizing their eligibility for state and federal assistance programs. The legislation aligns state law with the federal ABLE Act, allowing for the establishment of accounts that offer financial support to eligible beneficiaries, primarily focused on those who became disabled before the age of 26.

Contention

While the intentions behind HB 07038 are generally positive, some concerns may arise regarding the management of such accounts. Discussions around the bill have highlighted the importance of ensuring that there are adequate safeguards against misuse and abuse of the funds within the ABLE accounts. There are also questions about whether individuals fully understand the implications and restrictions associated with these savings accounts, particularly in terms of permissible expenses defined under the legislation. Thus, ongoing education and resources may be necessary to inform beneficiaries of their rights and responsibilities under this new legislation.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

CT HB05523

An Act Concerning Allocations Of Federal American Rescue Plan Act Funds And Provisions Related To General Government, Human Services, Education And The Biennium Ending June 30, 2025.

CT HB05343

An Act Concerning A Study On The Feasibility Of Establishing A Prepaid College Tuition Program.

CT HB05344

An Act Establishing First-time Homebuyer Savings Accounts And A Related Tax Deduction And Credit.

CT HB05524

An Act Authorizing And Adjusting Bonds Of The State And Concerning Provisions Related To State And Municipal Tax Administration, General Government And School Building Projects.

CT SB00312

An Act Concerning A Janitorial Work Program For Persons With A Disability And Persons With A Disadvantage.

CT SB00284

An Act Concerning A Security Deposit Loan Assistance Program.

CT HB05299

An Act Concerning The Department Of Economic And Community Development's Recommendations For Revisions To The Jobsct Program And The Commerce And Related Statutes.

CT SB00398

An Act Concerning The Regulation And Taxation Of Travel Insurance And Associated Entities, Products And Professionals.

CT SB00437

An Act Concerning The Structure Of The Office Of The Child Advocate Within The Office Of Governmental Accountability.

CT SB00016

An Act Concerning Revenue Items To Implement The Governor's Budget.

Similar Bills

CT HB05122

An Act Concerning Personal Income Tax Deductions For Contributions To Family And Medical Leave Benefit Accounts.

CT HB06738

An Act Implementing The Recommendations Of The Program Review And Investigations Committee Concerning The Federal Achieving A Better Life Experience Act.

CT HB05027

An Act Establishing A First-time Homebuyer Savings Account, Establishing Tax Deductions For Contributions To First-time Homebuyer Savings Accounts And The Withdrawal Of Certain Eligible Costs, Directing The Treasurer To Make Recommendations Concerning Marketable Securities And Establishing A Financial Literacy Trust Fund.

CT HB05429

An Act Requiring The Banking Commissioner To Establish A First-time Homebuyer Savings Account Program And Establishing A Tax Deduction For Contributions To First-time Homebuyer Savings Accounts.

CT SB00904

An Act Requiring The Commissioner Of Revenue Services To Establish A First-time Homebuyer Savings Account Program And Establishing A Tax Deduction For Contributions To First-time Homebuyer Savings Accounts.

CT HB05062

An Act Creating Incentives For Young Professionals To Live In Urban Areas.

CT SB01020

An Act Establishing First-time Homebuyer Savings Accounts And A Related Tax Deduction.

CT HB05437

An Act Creating Incentives For Young Professionals To Live In Urban Areas.