Senate Approves Foster Care and Adoption Bills

On Thursday, the Senate third read and passed 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. 

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. The MCC testified in support of HB 429, HB 430, and the expansion of benevolent tax credits. These bills now return to the House for final approval.