House Passes Tax Bill with Major Win for New Truck Driving Students: 529 Program Expansion Moves Forward
- CVTA Staff
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
In a razor-thin 215-214 vote, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a sweeping tax bill that delivers a significant victory for aspiring truck driver training students across the country. Among the many provisions included in the legislation is the expansion of 529 education savings plans to cover expenses for truck driver training and other workforce development programs—a key policy priority CVTA has advocated for over several years.
Under the newly passed House tax bill, 529 education savings plans could be used to pay for tuition for truck driver training programs, instructional materials, books, online coursework, and fees for licensing or standardized exams. The expansion of 529 eligibility brings greater flexibility to families and students pursuing career-focused education, aligning these savings plans with existing federal support for high-quality vocational training.
This milestone is the result of persistent CVTA advocacy, including testimony delivered by former CVTA Chairman Jerome Redmond before the House Ways & Means Committee in October 2023. Redmond, who also serves as President and CEO of American Truck Training, spoke passionately about the need to broaden access to CDL training by allowing students and families to use their 529 savings. His testimony highlighted the vital role commercial drivers play in powering our economy and the importance of reducing financial barriers to entering the industry.
After weeks of intense negotiations, Speaker Mike Johnson and House leadership secured just enough support to move the bill forward before the Memorial Day recess. The final legislation includes a wide array of provisions, including tax cuts, increased defense and border security funding, and key education policy changes like the 529 expansion. Though the Senate is expected to amend portions of the bill, the inclusion of this training-focused provision marks a promising development for the trucking industry.
CVTA applauds the leadership of Ways & Means Committee Chairman, Rep. Jason Smith and the entire House for recognizing the importance of workforce development. This legislation offers meaningful steps to support the next generation of safe, professional drivers.
As the legislation moves to the Senate, CVTA will continue working to ensure that this critical provision remains in the final package. We thank Jerome Redmond and all our members who have championed this issue, and we look forward to the day when 529 funds can help more students access high-quality truck driver training and launch rewarding careers.