Bill > HB1063

This bill amends the Achieving A Better Life Experience (ABLE) Program Act in Arkansas by changing the age at which an individual can qualify for disability certification and be considered an eligible individual from 26 to 46 years old. Specifically, the bill modifies two key definitions: "disability certification" and "eligible individual". Under the new provisions, an individual can obtain disability certification if they have a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that results in marked and severe functional limitations, can be expected to result in death, or has lasted or will last for at least twelve continuous months, and the disability occurred before the individual reached 46 years of age (previously 26 years). An eligible individual is now defined as someone who is entitled to benefits based on blindness or disability under specific Social Security Act titles and had the disability before turning 46, or has a disability certification filed with the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury. The bill will take effect on January 1, 2026, expanding access to the ABLE program for individuals with disabilities who develop their condition later in life.

Budget and Finance

https://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=hb1063&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R