HB 69 -- SPECIAL NEEDS CHILD ADOPTION TAX CREDIT

SPONSOR:  Storch

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass by consent" by the Committee on
Ways and Means by a vote of 12 to 0.

This bill defines "adoption resource center" as a state-funded
agency providing pre- and post-adoption services to families for
preventing adoption disruption and recruiting adoptive parents.
The bill specifies that qualified centers will get an equal
portion of the unclaimed funds set aside for tax credits for
non-recurring adoption expenses that is currently divided equally
among court-appointed special advocates (CASA), child advocacy
centers, and crisis care centers.

The bill also removes obsolete provisions regarding the adoption
tax credit for special needs children.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds in FY 2010, FY 2011, and
FY 2012.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the bill allows adoption
resource centers to receive funds through the existing adoption
tax credit from a portion of the unclaimed funds.  Currently,
about $600,000 is left each year.  Adoption resource centers help
keep children out of foster care and get them adopted.
Currently, there are 2,000 children waiting to be adopted in
Missouri.  A resource center provides intervention services to
approximately 1,200 families every year including specialized
training, parent and youth support groups, educational supports,
respite, and advocacy.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Storch; and Melanie
Scheetz, Foster and Adoptive Care Coalition.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Missouri House of Representatives
95th General Assembly, 1st Regular Session
Last Updated November 17, 2009 at 9:23 am