Connecticut Gov. Dannel P. Malloy signed H.B. 6738 into law on June 19 after the bill unanimously passed both General Assembly chambers.
The legislation helps families with disabled or handicapped children plan for the future. The law allows residents to take advantage of tax-free accounts -- a result of the federal Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act passed in December 2014.
The new Connecticut law authorizes the establishment of tax-exempt accounts in the state to help eligible individuals and families save private funds to support individuals with disabilities to maintain health, independence, and quality of life. The funds cover disability-related expenses, including education, housing, transportation, job training and other essential needs; and supplement, not supplant, benefits provided through private insurance, Medicaid, SSI, employment, and other sources.
“Families who have a loved one with a disability work incredibly hard every day to provide support and unconditional love and care,” said state Sen. Tony Hwang (R-28) in a statement. “They only want the best for their loved one, and the ABLE Act will provide them with another tool to further that mission.”
Hwang was one of four of the legislation’s co-sponsors, including fellow handicapped and developmental disability advocates in Reps. Noreen S. Kokoruda (R-101), Catherine F. Abercrombie (D-83) and Christie M. Carpino (R-32).
Click here to follow Daily Voice Westport and receive free news updates.