The bill amends Section 9-26-4 of the General Laws in Chapter 9-26, which pertains to property exempt from attachment during legal proceedings. It introduces new language to exempt "an account balance, right, or interest of a person in a qualified tuition program of any state authorized under 26 U.S.C. 529," including prepaid tuition programs and tuition savings programs, from judicial attachment.
The act specifies that this exemption does not apply if the balance or interest is subject to court orders related to divorce or child support. Additionally, the bill maintains existing exemptions for various personal properties, including necessary clothing, working tools, household items, and certain financial assets. It also allows a debtor in bankruptcy to exempt an additional $6,500 in assets. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage, reinforcing protections for individuals' educational savings from being seized in legal actions.
Statutes affected: 730: 9-26-4