Pettersen proposes House measure to permit Roth IRA savings for family caregivers

A bill introduced in the U.S. House by Rep. Brittany Pettersen seeks to allow certain family caregivers to make Roth IRA contributions, as documented by the U.S. Congress.

Filed as H.R.8274 on April 14, 2026, during the 2026 legislative session of the 119th Congress, the proposal is summarized here with some interpretations for clarification taken from the published bill text.

The legislation would change the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, permitting certain family caregivers to contribute to Roth IRAs. It introduces a “qualified family caregiver” category, covering individuals providing a minimum of 500 hours of caregiving and working fewer than 500 paid hours. Covered caregivers include unpaid relatives or foster parents supporting children or adults with special needs, including seniors, and details specific care responsibilities. Contribution limits for eligible caregivers would match those established for Roth IRAs. Updates would apply to taxable years starting after December 31, 2026.

Rep. Brittany Pettersen (Democrat-CO-7th District) serves as the bill’s sponsor, with Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (Republican-CO-27th District) joining as co-sponsor.

Rep. Pettersen has put forward another 22 pieces of legislation since this session began.

A comparable Senate bill, S.4292, was also submitted on April 14, 2026. Congressional records indicate a relation to H.R.8274.

Legislation in Congress can originate in either chamber, except for revenue measures, which must start in the House. Once introduced, a bill is referred to committees for examination, hearings, possible changes and floor debate before being brought to a vote. Passage in both chambers with identical versions sends the bill to the president for signature or veto. Congress works in two-year intervals called terms, each split into two annual sessions. The U.S. Congress maintains legislative procedures and publishes official updates through Congress.gov.

Brittany Pettersen represents Colorado. She was born Dec. 6, 1981, graduated from Metropolitan State University of Denver with a B.A. in 2006, and has held positions including Colorado House of Representatives (2013–2018), Colorado Senate (2019–2022), and was elected to the 118th Congress in January 2023.

Information in this article comes from the U.S. Congress. The original data is available here.