The Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act (H.R. 1151 / S. 756) continues to gain traction as a forward-looking policy aimed at expanding access to professional credentials and supporting workforce development. The measure would allow 529 education savings plans—traditionally limited to college tuition and related expenses—to be used for recognized post-secondary credentials, including certifications, technical training, and career development programs.

As written, the legislation permits individuals to use 529 funds to cover costs associated with obtaining or maintaining a recognized credential. This includes programs accredited by organizations such as the National Commission on Certifying Agencies (NCCA) or the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), as well as tuition, required materials, and testing fees. These changes would provide more flexible financial tools to support individuals working toward credentials in highly technical fields, including engineering, where continued education and professional development are essential.

NSPE supports the proposal as a pragmatic tool to strengthen the talent pipeline for the engineering profession and increase access to high-quality credentials. As demand for technical skills continues to rise, making these savings plans more flexible represents a meaningful step toward supporting access to high-quality credentials for those pursuing rigorous, standards-based professional careers.

Legislative Outlook and Momentum

The federal legislation has garnered nearly 200 bipartisan co-sponsors across the House and Senate. In May, the measure was formally included in a broader legislative tax initiative advancing through Congress. That effort addresses a wide range of expiring tax provisions and federal policy priorities and has become a vehicle for incorporating proposals that previously stalled as standalone measures.

Recently, the Senate Finance Committee released its version of the House-passed tax legislation—and language from the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act was included in the final text. This marks a major step forward for the proposal and reflects the growing bipartisan consensus around credentialing reform. While hurdles remain before the expansion of 529 plan eligibility is signed into law, the measure’s inclusion in both chambers' tax packages signals significant momentum.

At the same time, the broader tax legislation now advancing includes several contentious provisions unrelated to workforce development. These include proposed changes to environmental regulations, health care funding, and nonprofits, as well as broader shifts in federal agency authority. Projections that the measure could add up to $3 trillion to the federal deficit over the next decade have intensified concerns about long-term fiscal impact. With the national debt approaching 100% of GDP and a potential debt ceiling standoff looming in July, the measure faces an increasingly difficult path in the Senate, where negotiations remain ongoing and politically charged.

NSPE’s Engagement

NSPE continues to advocate for expanding access to professional development opportunities for licensed engineers and emerging professionals. As a member of the Tomorrow’s Workforce Coalition, NSPE joined with hundreds of credentialing, certification, and workforce development organizations to help move this policy forward. That collective advocacy played a central role in securing the proposal’s inclusion in the Senate’s legislative package.

In March, the organization joined advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill, meeting with members of Congress and key committee staff to highlight the measure’s value in addressing workforce readiness and credentialing access.

Additionally, NSPE launched a grassroots campaign that generated hundreds of letters to lawmakers. That member engagement has helped sustain bipartisan momentum and reinforce the importance of expanding 529 plan flexibility to reflect the modern economy’s demand for certified professionals in fields like engineering.

Looking Ahead

Even if the broader legislative effort stalls or undergoes significant revision, the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act remains well-positioned to advance.  Its strong bipartisan support suggests that the measure could move independently or as part of a more focused initiative on education and workforce development.

NSPE will continue monitoring developments closely, particularly any provisions that could affect the nonprofit sector or the professional licensing community. As congressional deliberations continue, the organization remains committed to supporting policies that expand access to credentialing while preserving the high standards essential to protecting public health, safety, and welfare.

Take Action!

NSPE’s grassroots campaign in support of the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act brought strong member engagement and delivered a clear message to lawmakers. That momentum now shifts to the next phase of advocacy.

For those ready to go a step further, NSPE offers tools to help schedule a meeting with your member of Congress.* These in-district conversations are a powerful way to elevate the voice of the profession and ensure policymakers understand the vital role that licensed engineers play in protecting public health, safety, and welfare.

* You’ll need to log in to the NSPE Advocacy Center to access the legislator meeting tool, even if you're already logged into the NSPE website.