Bill Description: House Bill 26 would establish the Idaho ABLE Account Advisory Council to promote and market savings accounts.

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Does it create, expand, or enlarge any agency, board, program, function, or activity of government? Conversely, does it eliminate or curtail the size or scope of government?

House Bill 26 would amend Section 56-708, Idaho Code, which deals with ABLE accounts. ABLE is an acronym for the federal Achieving a Better Life Experience Act, Public Law 113-295, 26 U.S.C. 529A. These accounts are special tax-advantaged savings accounts for those with disabilities. 

The bill would "create an Idaho ABLE account program by allowing the Idaho state treasurer to enter into an agreement with a national consortium of ABLE accounts."

The bill would also establish an "ABLE account advisory council" in the office of the state treasurer. This council would consist of the state treasurer, who would serve as chair, the executive director of the Idaho state independent living council, who would serve in an ex officio capacity, and six additional members, appointed by the governor. 

The bill says the council will advise the state treasurer and the executive director of the Idaho state independent living council about policies and actions that enhance the outreach, marketing, and education of the Idaho ABLE account program.

While the bill's fiscal note claims "no fiscal impact," the purpose of the council created by the bill is to engage in outreach, marketing, and education — activities that cost money. Highlighting the existence of tax-advantaged savings accounts is not something other taxpayers should be forced to fund. 

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