Governor Signs Adoption and Foster Care Bills

Governor Mike Parson on Thursday signed two bills that would provide tax relief for families who adopt or provide foster care services. HB 429, sponsored by Representative Hannah Kelly (R-Mountain Grove), would allow Missourians who serve as foster parents for at least six months to receive a tax credit to cover the cost of the process, capped at $2,500 per taxpayer or $5,000 for married couples. HB 430, also sponsored by Representative Kelly, would expand the current special needs adoption tax credit to apply to all adoptions in the state. The bills were carried in the Senate by Senators Andrew Koenig (R-Manchester) and Holly Rehder (R-Sikeston). During Senate debate, HB 430 was amended to include the benevolent tax credit legislation that would expand the tax credits for donations to domestic violence shelters and maternity homes. 

These bills were a priority of House Speaker Rob Vescovo (R-Arnold), who was adopted out of the foster care system as a child. "Today's a really great day," Vescovo said, "and I don't think anybody will ever understand how important these two bills will be to some of these future children that we can help." The MCC testified in support of HB 429, HB 430, and the expansion of benevolent tax credits. 

You can read more about the bills in this article from the Missouri Independent.