Report Title:

College Savings Program

Description:

Supports investment in a child's future by allowing family members and friends to contribute to State established HI529 college savings accounts that currently only account owners can contribute to.

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	875
TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE, 2009
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO THE STATE OF HAWAII COLLEGE SAVINGS PROGRAM.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  In 2002, the State of Hawaii established a college savings program called "TuitionEDGE" pursuant to chapter 256, Hawaii Revised Statutes, and section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.  In November 2007, the program contracted with a new program manager and changed its name to "HI529 - Hawaii's College Savings Program."  The program was established and exists to assist and encourage families to set aside funds for future higher education expenses.

     As of September 30, 2008, there were approximately 3,700 accounts in the program, and $39,400,000 in program assets.  The asset size of Hawaii's program is relatively small and the participation rate is low compared to other states' college savings programs.  The State would like to see the program grow and assist more families with saving for college.  In these challenging economic times, it is even more important to find ways to help families reach their educational goals.  This bill will allow third-parties, such as grandparents and other relatives and friends, to contribute directly to a college savings account for a designated beneficiary.  This will enable relatives or friends to easily make contributions into HI529 accounts set up for a special child or individual whom they want to help in achieving their college dreams.

     SECTION 2.  Section 256-4, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:

     "(b)  [Only the account owner may make contributions to the account] Any person or entity, regardless of whether the person or entity is the account owner, may make contributions to the account after the account is opened."

     SECTION 3.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act, upon its approval, shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2008.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________
	By Request