MS SB2609

Authorizes the Department of Child Protection Services to make monthly payments to grandparents who have assumed primary care of their grandchild, up to 100% of the foster care board payment amount, without requiring the grandparent to establish legal custody.

Requires grandparents receiving payments to comply with department training requirements and allows payments to continue after the department relinquishes legal custody if training is completed.

Creates a tax credit allowing taxpayers to claim up to $2,500 per grandchild legally cared for during calendar year 2022 or any year thereafter, based on qualified expenses defined by department rules.

Permits unused tax credits to be carried forward for three succeeding tax years and allows the credit to be claimed in the same year an exemption is claimed for the grandchild.

Takes effect July 1, 2023, with all payments subject to specific legislative appropriation.