Hawaii Senate Bill SR153

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/8/24
• Refer: 3/14/24
• Report Pass: 3/25/24
• Passed: 4/3/24
• Refer: 3/25/24

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Budget And Finance To Work With The State Council On Developmental Disabilities To Enhance The Able Savings Program By Promoting It To All Individuals Who May Qualify.

Impact

Currently, there are approximately twenty-three thousand individuals with developmental disabilities eligible to open an ABLE Savings Program account within the state of Hawaii, along with an additional twenty thousand individuals with other disabilities. By promoting this program, the resolution aims to increase awareness and participation in the ABLE Savings Program, thereby encouraging financial independence among eligible individuals. This growth in participation can result in enhanced quality of life for individuals with disabilities through improved access to essential services.

Summary

Senate Resolution 153 requests the Department of Budget and Finance to collaborate with the State Council on Developmental Disabilities to enhance the ABLE Savings Program. This program is designed for individuals with disabilities and enables them to set up flexible savings accounts similar to 529 college savings plans. These accounts can help in accumulating funds for various essential expenses, including education, healthcare, and assistive technology.

Contention

While the proposed enhancement to the ABLE Savings Program seems beneficial, notable points of contention may arise regarding the effectiveness of outreach efforts and potential budget implications for the Department of Budget and Finance. Questions may surface about how the program will be marketed and who specifically will be targeted for enrollment. Furthermore, as financial resources are committed to promoting this program, it is crucial to evaluate how these changes may impact funding for other state initiatives that also support individuals with disabilities.