H.R. 808: Fairness for the Trades Act

This bill expands the expenses that may be paid for with tax-free distributions from a qualified tuition program (known as a 529 plan) to include those incurred to purchase business property in certain industries. (Some limitations apply.)

Under the bill, tax-free 529 plan distributions may be used to pay for certain property for use by the plan beneficiary in industries within the following industry groups (as classified in the North American Industry Classification System):

• timber tract operations;
• forest nurseries and gathering of forest products;
• logging;
• fishing;
• hunting and trapping;
• support activities for forestry;
• residential and nonresidential building construction;
• utility system construction;
• land subdivision;
• highway, street, and bridge construction;
• other heavy and civil engineering construction;
• foundation, structure, and building exterior contracting;
• building equipment contracting;
• building finishing contracting;
• other specialty trade contracting;
• automotive repair and maintenance;
• electronic and precision equipment repair and maintenance;
• commercial and industrial machinery and equipment (except automotive and electronic) repair and maintenance; and
• personal and household goods repair and maintenance.

Written by the Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress.