HB1818, titled the Aviation Workforce Development Act, would amend Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code to allow tax-advantaged qualified tuition program withdrawals to be used for certain aviation training costs. Specifically, it would treat tuition, fees, books, supplies, and equipment for two categories of training as qualified higher education expenses: aviation maintenance courses at FAA Part 147 aviation maintenance technician schools and commercial pilot courses at qualifying flight schools under FAA Part 61 or Part 141.
The bill is designed to expand the use of 529 education savings plans beyond traditional college and university expenses and toward workforce training in the aviation sector. Its effective date would apply to distributions made after enactment, meaning families and students could begin using 529 funds for these aviation-related programs once the law takes effect.
Impact
If enacted, the bill would amend federal tax law by broadening the definition of qualified higher education expenses under Section 529 to include specified aviation maintenance and commercial pilot training costs. This would affect account owners and beneficiaries using 529 plans, aviation maintenance technician schools, flight schools, and students pursuing FAA-recognized aviation credentials. It would not create a new tax credit or deduction, but would change the tax treatment of withdrawals from qualified tuition programs for these training expenses.
Sentiment
The available context suggests generally positive and bipartisan support for the bill’s workforce-development goal. The bill was introduced by Representative Collins with cosponsors from both parties, indicating cross-party interest in expanding aviation career pathways. No committee transcript or vote record is provided, so there is no evidence of formal opposition in the available materials.
Contention
The main policy issue is the scope of 529 plan eligibility: the bill extends education savings benefits to nontraditional, career-focused aviation training rather than limiting them to conventional postsecondary education. Potential points of contention could include whether this use of tax-preferred savings should be expanded to vocational programs, how narrowly the FAA-related course definitions should be drawn, and whether the change would primarily benefit families able to save in 529 plans. No specific objections are recorded in the provided materials.
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION continuing the work of the Air Mobility and Aviation Economic Development Task Force by establishing the Aviation Economic Development Task Force.
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION continuing the work of the Air Mobility and Aviation Economic Development Task Force by establishing the Aviation Economic Development Task Force.