Legislation is now on its way to the governor that would provide additional financial assistance to Missouri families who provide a stable home to children in need. The House this week gave final approval to HB 429 and HB 430. Both bills received strong support in the Senate before coming back to the House to receive overwhelming bipartisan approval.

The House gave final approval to HB 429 by a vote of 127-8. It would authorize an income tax deduction for Missouri taxpayers for the expenses related to providing care as a foster parent. The bill would authorize a deduction of up to $5,000 for married couples or single parents, provided that individuals who are married but file separately can only claim up to $2,500 each. The Senate added other provisions to HB 429 including the expansion of the adoption tax credit, the Birth Match Program and additional improvements to the state’s adoption regulations and proceedings.

HB 430 was approved by the House by a vote of 142-0. It would expand the state’s existing $10,000 tax credit to any child adopted by Missouri taxpayers on or after January 1, 2022. Currently the credit applies only to adoptions of special needs children. The bill also increases the annual limit on the amount of tax credits that can be authorized from $2 million to $6 million. The Senate also added provisions to expand the tax credits for contributions to domestic violence shelters and maternity homes.

Both bills now head to the governor’s desk to be signed into law.