1. (1) It is the intent of the legislature to provide access to a program authorized by section 529A of the Internal Revenue Code, 26 U.S.C. 529A, to encourage and assist individuals and families in saving private funds for the purpose of supporting individuals with disabilities to maintain health, independence, and quality of life and to provide secure funding for disability-related expenses on behalf of designated beneficiaries with disabilities that will supplement, but not supplant, benefits provided through private insurance, federal and state medical and disability insurance, a beneficiary's employment, and other sources.

2. (2) The legislature further intends that the department achieve this purpose by:

   1. (a) creating the Montana achieving a better life experience program, which is a public-private partnership using selected financial institutions to serve as depositories for individuals' savings accounts established pursuant to this chapter; or

      [(b) contracting with another state that has a program under section 529A of the Internal Revenue Code, 26 U.S.C. 529A, and that allows Montana residents to participate in the state's program].

History: En. Sec. 2, Ch. 436, L. 2015; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 433, L. 2019.