§257-1 Definitions. As used in this chapter:

"Eligible educational institution" means:

(1) An institution described in sections 481(a)(1) or 1201(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1088(a)(1) or 1141(a)), as such sections are in effect on June 28, 1999; and

(2) An area vocational education school defined in subparagraph (C) or (D) of section 521(4) of the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act (20 U.S.C. 2471(4)), as such sections are in effect on June 28, 1999.

"Fiduciary organization" means an organization that serves as an intermediary between an individual account holder and the financial institution holding the individual's individual development account funds. Fiduciary organizations may include:

(1) One or more not-for-profit organizations described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of the Code; or

(2) State or local government agencies submitting an application jointly with another organization.

Nothing in this definition shall be construed as preventing an organization described in paragraph (2) from cooperating with a financial institution or for-profit community development corporation to carry out the purposes of this chapter.

The fiduciary organization's responsibilities may include:

(1) Marketing participation;

(2) Soliciting matching contributions;

(3) Counseling program participants; and

(4) Conducting required verification and compliance activities.

"Financial institution" means an organization authorized to do business pursuant to chapter 412, or under federal laws relating to financial institutions, and includes a bank, trust company, savings bank, building and loan association, savings and loan company or association, and credit union.

"Household" means adults related by blood, marriage, or adoption, or who are unrelated but have maintained a stable family relationship together over a period of time, and individuals under eighteen years of age related to the above adults by marriage, blood, or adoption, who are living together. Living together refers to domicile as evidence by the parties' intent to maintain a home for their family and does not include a temporary visit.

"Individual development account" means an optional, interest bearing, subsidized, tax-benefitted account used exclusively for the purpose of paying the qualified expenditure of an eligible individual as determined by the fiduciary organization.

"Post-secondary educational expenses" means:

(1) Tuition and fees required for the enrollment or attendance of a student at an eligible educational institution; and

(2) Fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for courses of instruction at an eligible educational institution.

"Qualified acquisition costs" means the costs of acquiring, constructing, or reconstructing a residence and shall include any usual or reasonable settlement, financing, or other closing costs.

"Qualified business" means any business that does not contravene any law or public policy.

"Qualified business capitalization expenses" means qualified expenditures for the capitalization of a qualified business pursuant to a qualified plan.

"Qualified expenditures" means an expense as determined by a fiduciary organization, which may include but not be limited to:

(1) Costs associated with first homeownership;

(2) Post-secondary education;

(3) Vocational training; and

(4) Small or micro-business capitalization.

"Qualified plan" means a business plan or a plan to use a business asset purchased, that:

(1) Is approved by a financial institution, a micro-enterprise development organization, or a nonprofit loan fund having demonstrated fiduciary integrity;

(2) Includes a description of services or goods to be sold, a marketing plan, and projected financial statements; and

(3) May require the eligible individual to obtain the assistance of an experienced entrepreneurial advisor.

"Qualified principal residence" means a principal residence (within the meaning of section 1034 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986), the qualified acquisition costs of which do not exceed one hundred per cent of the average area purchase price applicable to such residence (determined in accordance with paragraphs (2) and (3) of section 143(e) of the Code). [ L 1999, c 160, pt of §25]

Revision Note

"June 28, 1999" substituted for "the date of the enactment of this chapter" pursuant to §23G-15.