LANSING, MI (AP)-- The Michigan Legislature is voting to let residents with disabilities open tax-free savings accounts to pay for long-term needs such as education and housing.
The accounts would offer tax advantages similar to 529 college savings plans. The House unanimously approved half of a four-bill package Thursday.
Families could deposit up to $14,000 annually.
Under another bill pending in the House, Michigan would disregard the accounts when determining if someone with disabilities has too many assets to qualify for public assistance.
A 2014 federal law lets states establish Achieving a Better Life Experience, or ABLE, accounts. Advocates called it the most sweeping national legislation to help the disabled in a quarter century.
Another pending bill would raise the maximum account balance in Michigan's 529 account program from $235,000 to $500,000.
