PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S2936)
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Jun 11, 2020
Helping Parents Educate Children During the Coronavirus Pandemic
This bill expands the types of educational expenses that may be paid from a qualified tuition program (commonly known as a 529 plan) for students enrolled at or attending an elementary or secondary public, private, or religious school. It also permits payments of certain education expenses for home schooling during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) emergency period beginning on March 13, 2020, and ending on the date the emergency period has ended.
The bill also permits penalty free distributions from tax-preferred retirement plans for the period after February 29, 2020, and before January 1, 2021, if contributed to a 529 plan.
People & committees
Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX] · R–TX
Legislative record
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Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S2936)
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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No related bills are listed in this snapshot. This does not establish whether the proposal has appeared in earlier Congresses.
Source last updated: Jan 3, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze S.3949 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
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Examine S.3949 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.
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