Panel Discussion on: The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), enacted July 4, 2025, introduces sweeping tax law changes that significantly alter how trusts must be administered. This session provides a practical, fiduciary-focused analysis of how OBBBA affects daily trustee operations, income tax planning, beneficiary management, and long-term trust design. Unlike general tax updates, this presentation is tailored specifically to professional trustees, fiduciaries, and advisors who administer complex trusts. Key areas include managing trust AGI under compressed brackets, coordinating beneficiary-level medical and senior deductions, navigating expanded funding of special needs trusts (SNTs), and evaluating when older trusts should be decanted or modernized. Real-world case studies are integrated throughout the session to illustrate the effects on elderly beneficiaries with rising medical needs, disabled beneficiaries relying on SSI/Medicaid, and trustees managing outdated trust structures. Attendees will leave with a comprehensive annual checklist, actionable distribution strategies, and clear documentation standards to minimize fiduciary risk. This session equips trustees with immediately applicable guidance to serve beneficiaries better and operate confidently under the new law.
D6 – The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA): Practical Impacts For Trustees & Fiduciaries
Speakers
Brandon Fiely
STARCARE
Brandon joined STARCARE in February 2009, and for over 15 years, has supported the firm’s mission to help clients attain their personal goals and achieve financial peace of mind. A Southern California native, Brandon attended high school in Orange County where he was active in athletics, playing both basketball and volleyball. He stayed in the southland to attend California State University, Fullerton where he studied business, achieving both academic and personal success.
Brandon was a member of the Beta Gamma Sigma honor society, the department’s Finance Association and the Scholarship Chair of his fraternity – and still managed a spot on the Dean’s List for six semesters. As a member of the STARCARE Team, he conducts regular client meetings, supports the firm’s overall client planning efforts including investment modeling and portfolio management. Working closely with Richard Hearn, the company’s founder, Brandon also is actively involved in working with the firm’s special needs clients, including attending court hearings and analyzing complex court care plans. Brandon has over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, and brings a large knowledge base of financial markets, products and planning. Brandon holds both Series 7 and 66 securities registrations with LPL Financial and insurance licenses (CA Insurance License #0F53795).
In August 2017, Brandon completed the Charted Financial Analyst (CFA) program, successfully passing all three levels of the CFA exam, and completing the required 48 months of professional work experience. He is a member of the CFA Institute, the premier global association for investment management professionals and stands for creating an environment where investors’ interests come first, markets function at their best, and economies grow. As a Chartered Financial Analyst, he honed his analytical skills through rigorous coursework and study. As a CFA Institute member Brandon adheres to the highest standards of ethics, education and professional excellence.
Outside the office, Brandon enjoys movies, sports – especially basketball – and spending time with his wife and two young children