Sec. 54.707. SAVINGS TRUST ACCOUNTS. (a) An individual may open a savings trust account to save money for the payment of the qualified higher education expenses of a beneficiary. The individual who opens the account is the owner of the account. The owner of the account may also be the beneficiary.

(b) An individual may open an account by entering into a savings trust agreement with the board as prescribed and approved by the board and making the minimum contribution required by the plan manager selected by the individual to open an account.

(c) A savings trust agreement must include the following terms:

(1) the name and address of the savings trust account owner;

(2) the name, address, and date of birth of the beneficiary on whose behalf the account is opened;

(3) the maximum and minimum contributions allowed to the account;

(4) provisions for withdrawals, refunds, transfers, and any penalties;

(5) terms and conditions for a substitution of the beneficiary originally named;

(6) terms and conditions for termination of the account, including any refunds, withdrawals, or transfers, and applicable penalties, and the name of the person or persons entitled to terminate the account;

(7) all other rights and obligations of the account owner, the plan manager, and the board; and

(8) any other terms and conditions the board considers necessary or appropriate, including those necessary to conform the savings trust account to the requirements of Section 529, Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or other applicable federal law.

(d) An account owner may change the designated beneficiary of an account as provided by Section 529, Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, in accordance with procedures established by the board.

Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1250, Sec. 1, eff. June 15, 2001.