Committee sends HB 26 to floor to allow treasurer to join national ABLE consortium

A state House committee voted to send House Bill 26 to the House floor with a “do pass” recommendation after hearing testimony that the measure would let the Idaho State Treasurer contract with a national consortium to offer ABLE (529A) accounts to Idahoans with disabilities.

The bill, Treasury officials said, would amend Idaho Code section 56,708 to allow the Idaho State Treasurer to enter into an agreement with a national ABLE consortium, establish an ABLE account advisory council and authorize financial literacy outreach conducted by the Treasurer’s Office and the Idaho State Independent Living Council. Treasurer Julie Ellsworth said the change would “make the Idaho ABLE account program less expensive for participants and provide greater oversight and protection.”

Supporters told the committee the change would reduce costs for individual account holders, keep money accessible in Idaho and expand options ahead of federal eligibility changes in 2026. Several residents who use ABLE accounts or care for family members with disabilities said state…