The General Assembly this week truly agreed and finally passed a bill to help fund the installation of rescue boxes to help parents safely relinquish their newborns. HB 121, sponsored by Rep. Jim Murphy (R – St. Louis), establishes a state fund that will be used to match up to ten thousand dollars for the installation of a newborn safety incubator.
The bill also includes pro-life provisions that were added during debate. HB 121 establishes the “Zero-Cost Adoption Fund” to help Missourians pay for adoption costs, giving priority to those adopting children in foster care, and extends the state’s diaper bank tax credit program to 2031.
The General Assembly also gave final approval to the elimination of sales tax on diapers and feminine hygiene products. HBs 508 and 594, sponsored by Rep. George Hruza (R – St. Louis) and Rep. Chad Perkins (R – Bowling Green), began as bills to eliminate the income tax on capital gains. During the legislative process, both bills were combined and were amended to also include–among other provisions–a removal of the state portion of the sales tax for diapers and feminine hygiene products.
These bills now go to the governor for his signature. The MCC testified in support of all four provisions when they were heard as standalone bills.