BILL NUMBER: SJR 31	INTRODUCED
	BILL TEXT


INTRODUCED BY   Senator Alquist

                        APRIL 27, 2010

   Relative to persons with disabilities.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   SJR 31, as introduced, Alquist. Individuals with disabilities: tax
exempt accounts.
   This measure would urge the President and the Congress of the
United States to immediately enact the Achieving a Better Life
Experience Act of 2009.
   Fiscal committee: no.



   WHEREAS, Many families are searching for a way to plan for the
future of a child with developmental disabilities, which are costly
to society and to families; and
   WHEREAS, H.R. 1205, The Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of
2009 (ABLE Act), currently debated by Congress, would create
disability savings accounts for individuals with disabilities and
their families, as a way to save for future needs that could accrue
interest tax free; and
   WHEREAS, The ABLE Act would give individuals with disabilities and
their families an option for saving for their future financial needs
in a way that supports their unique situation and makes it more
feasible to live full and productive lives in their communities; and
   WHEREAS, While many families are currently able to save for the
educational needs of children through "529" college tuition plans,
these plans do not fit the needs of children with developmental
disabilities; and
   WHEREAS, Many families recognize that loved ones with
developmental disabilities may live for many decades beyond the
ability of the parents or other family members to provide financial
assistance and support; and
   WHEREAS, Many families also want to ensure the financial security
of family members who have the level of disability required for
Medicaid eligibility, but for now, are managing to function without
the use of those benefits and state resources; and
   WHEREAS, The ABLE Act would create a savings fund for those with
developmental disabilities that could be drawn upon for a variety of
essential expenses, including medical and dental care, education and
employment training and support, assistive technology, housing and
transportation, personal support services, and other expenses for
life necessities; and
   WHEREAS, Savings accounts opened under the ABLE Act would provide
substantial flexibility to meet the specific needs of the individual,
with a broad array of allowable expenses and no age limitations so
that these funds can be used whenever they are needed; and
   WHEREAS, The flexibility in expenses would also allow families to
save with confidence even though they cannot always predict how
independent their child will become; now, therefore, be it
   Resolved by the Senate and the Assembly of the State of
California, jointly, That the California State Legislature urges the
President and the Congress of the United States to immediately enact
the Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2009 (ABLE Act); and be
it further
   Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this
resolution to the President and Vice President of the United States,
to the President pro Tempore of the United States Senate, to the
Speaker of the House of Representatives, to each Senator and
Representative from California in the Congress of the United States,
and to the author for appropriate distribution.