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Student Empowerment Act

3/5/2025, 5:08 AM

Summary of Bill HR 939

Bill 119 HR 939, also known as the "529 Expansion for Education Act," aims to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow for kindergarten through grade 12 educational expenses to be paid from a 529 account.

Currently, 529 accounts are tax-advantaged savings plans designed to help families save for higher education expenses, such as college tuition, fees, and room and board. This bill seeks to expand the allowable uses of 529 accounts to include educational expenses for students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

If passed, this legislation would provide families with more flexibility in how they use their 529 savings, allowing them to cover a wider range of educational costs for their children. This could potentially help alleviate the financial burden of private school tuition, tutoring, and other K-12 expenses for families who choose to utilize 529 accounts. Supporters of the bill argue that expanding the allowable uses of 529 accounts would make it easier for families to save for and afford a quality education for their children. However, critics may raise concerns about the potential impact on the overall tax code and whether this change would primarily benefit higher-income families who are more likely to have 529 accounts. Overall, Bill 119 HR 939 represents an effort to provide families with more options for saving and paying for their children's education, particularly in the early years of schooling. It will be important to monitor the progress of this legislation and consider its potential implications for families and the education system as a whole.

Congressional Summary of HR 939

Student Empowerment Act

This bill expands the education-related expenses that may be paid for with tax-free distributions from a qualified tuition program (also known as a 529 plan) to include certain expenses related to elementary, secondary, and homeschool education.

Under current law, distributions from a 529 plan are excluded from gross income if they are used to pay for qualified higher education expenses, which includes up to $10,000 (per year and per beneficiary) for tuition at an elementary or secondary public, private, or religious school.

The bill expands the education-related expenses that may be paid for with tax-free distributions from a 529 plan to include tuition related to homeschooling and the following expenses related to elementary, secondary, and homeschool education:

  • curriculum and curricular materials,
  • books or other instructional materials,
  • online educational materials,
  • tutoring or educational classes outside the home,
  • testing fees,
  • fees for dual enrollment in an institution of higher education, and
  • educational therapies for students with disabilities.

Current Status of Bill HR 939

Bill HR 939 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since February 4, 2025. Bill HR 939 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on February 4, 2025.  Bill HR 939's most recent activity was Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means. as of February 4, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 939

Total Number of Sponsors
2
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
2
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
3
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
3
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 939

Primary Policy Focus

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 939

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to permit kindergarten through grade 12 educational expenses to be paid from a 529 account.
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to permit kindergarten through grade 12 educational expenses to be paid from a 529 account.

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