ILLINOIS ABLE SAVINGS DAY

104th Regular Session Introduced by Diane Blair-Sherlock and 9 co-sponsors

Designates August 14, 2026 as Illinois ABLE Savings Day to spotlight the program that helps disabled residents save while protecting benefits and fostering independence.

Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Amy Briel

Summary of HR 790 (104th General Assembly, Illinois) – ILLINOIS ABLE SAVINGS DAY

Purpose and intent

Declares August 14, 2026 as Illinois ABLE Savings Day.

Recognizes the importance of the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) program for Illinoisans with disabilities and their families, highlighting its role in fostering financial independence while protecting federal benefits and supporting employment.

Background and context

Acknowledges that Illinois established the Illinois ABLE program in 2016 via enabling legislation to provide a pathway to greater financial independence for people with disabilities.

Notes that the Illinois ABLE program is administered by the Office of the State Treasurer (as trustee and administrator).

Cites program outcomes to date, including:

Over 8,400 ABLE accounts opened.
More than $132 million contributed since January 2017.
Approximately $44 million in qualified disability expenses paid, improving self-sufficiency and meeting needs of individuals with disabilities in Illinois.

Highlights the National ABLE Savings Day as a national observance on August 14, 2026, and situates Illinois within the National ABLE Savings Day context.

Key provisions

The bill designates August 14, 2026 as “Illinois ABLE Savings Day.”

Requires the designation to be recognized and presented to the Office of the State Treasurer, which administers the Illinois ABLE program.

Affected entities and beneficiaries

Primary beneficiaries: Illinois residents who have or are eligible for ABLE accounts and their families.

Affected entities include:

Office of the State Treasurer (trustee/administrator of the Illinois ABLE program).
ABLE account holders and prospective savers (disability beneficiaries) across Illinois.

The designation is largely ceremonial but serves to spotlight the program and its impact.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Pathway of actions:

2026-04-10: Filed with the Clerk.
2026-04-14: Referred to Rules Committee.
2026-04-27: Assigned to the House Human Services Committee.
2026-05-06: Reported favorable by the Human Services Committee and placed on the calendar for resolutions.

Sponsor: Representative Rick Ryan (co-sponsor).

The resolution does not impose new requirements on individuals or require new funding; it is a formal recognition/observance resolution.

Potential impact

Raises awareness of ABLE savings opportunities among Illinois residents and stakeholders.

Aligns Illinois with a broader national observance (National ABLE Savings Day), potentially encouraging more families to consider ABLE accounts.

Could positively influence enrollment and ongoing use of ABLE programs by highlighting the program’s benefits and success metrics (accounts opened, total contributions, and qualified expense supports).

Notes for readers

This is a non-binding, ceremonial resolution aimed at recognizing the value of ABLE savings and commemorating a designated day.

The bill references tangible program data to contextualize the ABLE program’s impact in Illinois.