WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) has joined Senator Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) in reintroducing the Ensuring Nationwide Access to Better Life Experience (ENABLE) Act, a bill aimed at providing long-term financial stability for individuals with disabilities and their families.
The legislation seeks to make permanent three key Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) provisions, which are set to expire this year: ABLE to Work, ABLE Saver’s Credit, and 529 to ABLE rollovers. These provisions allow individuals with disabilities to save and invest through tax-free ABLE savings accounts while maintaining eligibility for federal assistance programs like Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Senator Britt emphasized that the bill is designed to empower families and enhance economic opportunities for those with disabilities.
“The ENABLE Act would empower families and enhance economic opportunities for Americans with disabilities,”said Britt. “Every child deserves a pathway to reach their full potential, and this legislation would enable just that—by providing opportunities to invest and save towards their futures. Last Congress, this bipartisan legislation passed the Senate, and I look forward to getting this passed into law in the 119th Congress.”
Senator Schmitt, who led the introduction of the ENABLE Act in the 118th Congress, also underscored the bill’s significance.
“I entered public service to fight for people like my son Stephen,” Schmitt stated. “Stephen was born with a rare genetic disease, is on the autism spectrum, has epilepsy, and is non-verbal. I know firsthand how critical ABLE accounts are to individuals with disabilities and their families.”
Schmitt further noted that ABLE accounts provide financial security for individuals with disabilities while easing burdens on families. The ENABLE Act, he said, is a “common-sense solution” that ensures long-term access to these savings programs.
In September 2024, Senator Britt participated in a roundtable discussion alongside Senator Schmitt to raise awareness about the ENABLE Act. Alabama State Treasurer Young Boozer was also in attendance, sharing insights on the state’s ABLE Savings Plan.
“I’m also proud of the work that Alabama has done… in its own ABLE Savings Plan program – and particularly the leadership of our Treasurer,” Britt said during the discussion. “The opportunity it has provided to over 1,000 individuals in our great state is invaluable.”
The Alabama ABLE Savings Plan was launched in February 2017 by the State of Alabama’s Treasury Office. Like other ABLE programs across the country, it allows individuals with disabilities to save and invest funds without jeopardizing access to government benefits. These accounts were initially created under the federal ABLE Act of 2014, which paved the way for similar programs nationwide.
With bipartisan and bicameral support, proponents of the ENABLE Act are hopeful that the legislation will pass in the 119th Congress, ensuring long-term financial security for Americans with disabilities and their families.
