Carpino’s ABLE Act Bill Passes House

HARTFORD — House Bill 6738, An Act Implementing The Recommendations of the Program Review And Investigations Committee Concerning The Federal Achieving A Better Life Experience Act, was passed today in the House Chamber.

PRI Committee co-chair, State Rep. Christie Carpino (32), introduced this bill, which will require Connecticut to establish an ABLE program modeled after the Federal ABLE Act, passed last year.

“Today we had a positive impact and made a real difference for families across the state by providing an opportunity for them to better plan for the future,” said Rep. Carpino.

The ABLE Act program encourages and helps individuals and families save funds to pay for expenses related to disability and blindness.

“Every parent wants to provide for the future of their children, and this bill will put families raising children with disabilities on a level playing field,” said Rep. Carpino

ABLE accounts will be available to individuals who are disabled before age 26. Account funds can be used to pay for education, health care, and other expenses related to the disability. Interest earned in the accounts is tax free.

“Families will now have the opportunity to set aside money to plan for their loved ones and not jeopardize their future benefits. Connecticut will now be in the forefront of the group of states implementing this great program.” She said.

The Federal ABLE Act, signed into law, Dec. 2014, allows people with disabilities save funds without risking eligibility for government programs like Social Security

House Bill 6738 was approved by the State Senate, May 29, and now must be signed by the governor to become law.