An Act amending title 15 Virgin Islands Code, article V to allow the Government of the Virgin Islands to implement the federal mandate of the Stephen J.
Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable
Enacted
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.
ABLE savings won't hurt benefits or aid
Money in an ABLE account, its growth, and qualified withdrawals do not count for housing, SNAP, WIC, TANF, LIHEAP, Medicaid, and similar territorial benefits. For student aid, ABLE contributions and growth generally do not count as a student’s personal assets, unless federal law says otherwise. This helps people with disabilities keep benefits and qualify for more aid.
Disability savings program launched
The law creates a territory‑run disability savings program that qualifies under the federal ABLE (529A) rules. The Department of Finance runs it, picks banks and managers, and uses strong contracts and audits. If a manager changes, the Department moves accounts quickly and keeps similar investments. A dedicated trust fund supports the program, and $500,000 is provided for start‑up costs. Finance, tax, and disability agencies may share needed data to run the program.
Protections and appeal rights for ABLE accounts
Creditors cannot take money from an ABLE account, and any pledge of the account is void. If your account is terminated, you can appeal to the Department within 30 days of the notice, and then to the Superior Court within 30 days of the final decision. The program must clearly tell you that investments are not insured by the Government of the Virgin Islands.
Government outreach on ABLE accounts
The Department of Finance must tell people about ABLE accounts and their benefits. Other territorial agencies must help share this information unless another law forbids it. This outreach helps more eligible people learn and sign up.
Deposit limits and quarterly statements
Anyone can contribute to an ABLE account, but deposits must follow federal 529A rules. The program rejects deposits if they would break federal limits or if the beneficiary is not eligible that year. Total balances cannot go over $550,000; deposits that push above that are rejected. Managers must send account statements at least four times a year, within 30 days after each quarter ends.
Open and manage ABLE accounts
You can open an ABLE account only if the beneficiary is eligible when it starts. A parent, guardian, trustee, representative payee, or other authorized person can open one for a minor or someone who lacks capacity. Each person can have only one ABLE account. The annual maintenance fee is capped at $50. You may change the beneficiary to a family member or move money to that family member’s ABLE account, and the account cannot be used as loan collateral.
Tax breaks and rules for ABLE savings
ABLE program property, contributions, account growth, and qualified disability payments are exempt from Virgin Islands taxes. The program is also exempt from local securities rules. If you take a nonqualified withdrawal, any earnings and any contributions that were deductible for Virgin Islands tax are taxed as income. Program managers may deduct administrative fees from nonqualified payouts.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
There is no primary sponsor on record.
Cosponsors
Angel L. Bolques, Jr.
legislature
Avery L. Lewis
legislature
Clifford A. Joseph, Sr.
legislature
Hubert L. Frederick
legislature
Kurt A. Vialet
legislature
Marise C. James
legislature
Marvin A. Blyden
legislature
Milton E. Potter
legislature
Novelle E. Francis, Jr.
legislature
Ray Fonseca
legislature
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Enacted
7/9/2025legislatureTo Governor
7/1/2025legislatureFloor
6/27/2025legislatureRules
6/25/2025legislatureIntroduced
2/27/2025legislatureCommittee
1/30/2025legislature
Bill Text
Enacted Act
7/9/2025
Bill Text
2/27/2025
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Lease 36-0293, An act approving the lease agreement between the Government of the Virgin Islands and The St. Thomas Cricket Association Inc. for Parcel No-2 of Tract
Bill No. 36-0192, An act amending title 34 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 15 to enact the Senior Financial Protection and Promissory Note Abuse Prevention Act of 2025
Bill No. 36-0290, An act granting a zoning use variance for Plot No. 104 Estate Concordia, Westend Quarter, St. Croix from the R-2 (Residential Low Density–One and Two Family)
Bill No. 36-0339, An act approving the lease agreement between the Government of the Virgin Islands, acting through the Commissioner of the Department of Property and Procurement,
Bill No. 36-0392, An act amending title 33 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 111 creating the Virgin Islands Contractor Bonds Cost Revolving Loan Fund