Virginia House Bill HB2409

Virginia 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/23
• Refer: 1/17/23

Caption

Virginia College Savings Plan; renamed Commonwealth Savers Plan, duties of governing board.

Impact

The bill is set to significantly alter the way state taxes interact with savings plans for education. By increasing the tax benefits associated with the Commonwealth Savers Plan, the bill aims to stimulate growth in savings for higher education. Proponents argue this move is essential to make education more affordable and accessible, creating long-term benefits for both individuals and the wider economy. Furthermore, introducing flexibility for older individuals could lead to higher participation rates in the savings plan, allowing them to strategically plan for educational costs of their grandchildren or other relatives.

Summary

House Bill 2409 aims to revise and rename the Virginia College Savings Plan to the Commonwealth Savers Plan. This legislation seeks to improve accessibility and flexibility for individuals saving for higher education by introducing enhanced tax deductions for contributions made to prepaid tuition contracts and college savings trust accounts. Notably, individuals aged 70 and older will not face the existing limitation of $4,000 per account for deductions, allowing them to fully deduct contributions in the tax year they are made. This change is anticipated to encourage more savings for education among older Virginians, helping families manage educational expenses more effectively.

Contention

Opposition may arise from concerns about the potential impact on state revenue due to increased deductions. Critics may argue that while the intention behind HB2409 is commendable, substantial deductions could lead to a decrease in funds available for other educational initiatives or social programs, creating a potential budget strain. Additionally, there may be discussions on whether this bill adequately addresses the needs of younger families who are currently managing educational costs, thereby raising questions about the equity of the proposed changes.