Disability savings program incentive approved

Lawmakers passed a measure May 30 intended to bolster a program that helps Nebraskans pay for disability-related expenses.

LB391, sponsored by Glevil Sen. Dave Murman, creates the Give to Enable Support Act and an associated cash fund. Under the new program, the state treasurer will use private contributions to open Enable Savings Plan accounts for qualifying applicants who do not already have one.

The tax-advantaged accounts, authorized by the Legislature in 2015, may be used to pay for beneficiaries’ qualifying disability-related expenses, including education, housing, transportation and personal support services.

Under LB391, the treasurer will determine the minimum amount to place in each new account and may approve as many applications as funding allows each year.

Contributions may be deducted from federal adjusted gross income for state income tax purposes, within certain limits.

The state Department of Revenue estimates that the bill will reduce state general fund revenue by $137,000 in fiscal year 2026-27, $160,000 in FY2027-28 and $200,000 in FY2028-29.

LB391 passed on a vote of 45-3.