ATLANTA – State Representative Lee Hawkins (R-Gainesville) today announced that House Bill 768, the Georgia ABLE Act, was signed into law by Gov. Nathan Deal and became effective on Tuesday, May 3, 2016. The ABLE, or “Achieving a Better Life Experience,” Act was sponsored by Rep. Hawkins and will allow disabled individuals access to tax advantaged savings accounts to use for their care and treatment.
“I’d like to thank Gov. Deal for his support of this common sense legislation that will give financial freedom to disabled Georgians and their caregivers,” said Rep. Hawkins. “I would also like to thank my colleagues Representatives Scot Turner, Wendell Willard, and Bruce Williamson for their tireless dedication to this important legislation. All three made tremendous contributions to HB 768 throughout the legislative process and worked diligently alongside me all session to ensure its passage. I am so pleased to see such a well-crafted and necessary piece of legislation become effective today for Georgia’s citizens.”
HB 768, the Georgia ABLE Act, is based on the federal ABLE Act passed in 2014, and aims to ease the financial strains faced by individuals with disabilities. An ABLE account is a tax-free savings account that may cover expenses such as medical care, education, community-based supports, employment training, assistive technology, housing and transportation. Georgia joins 43 other state legislatures that have already enacted ABLE legislation. HB 768 took effect upon Gov. Deal’s signature on May, 3, 2016.
For more information on HB 768, the Georgia ABLE Act, please click here.
Representative Lee Hawkins represents the citizens of District 27, which includes portions of Hall and White counties. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2012, and currently serves as the Vice Chairman on the Health & Human Services Committee. He also serves on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and the Insurance and Regulated Industries committees.
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