Provides a tax credit for certain taxpayers who suffer the birth of a stillborn child.
Summary
This bill would create a new refundable New York State income tax credit of $2,000 for taxpayers who experience the birth of a stillborn child, so long as the child would have qualified as the taxpayer’s dependent under federal tax rules. The credit would be claimed for the taxable year in which a certificate of still birth is issued under the Public Health Law. The bill defines the covered event by reference to the issuance of that certificate, which ties eligibility to the state’s vital records process.
The measure is intended to provide direct financial relief to families facing the costs and burdens associated with stillbirth. Because the credit is refundable, eligible taxpayers could receive the benefit even if they owe little or no state income tax. The bill would apply to taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2025, and would take effect immediately upon enactment.
Impact
The bill would amend section 606 of the Tax Law to add a new refundable personal income tax credit for stillbirth-related losses. It would affect individual taxpayers who meet the dependency and certificate requirements, and it would require coordination with the Public Health Law’s certificate of still birth process. The fiscal impact would be a reduction in state income tax revenues to the extent eligible taxpayers claim the credit.
Sentiment
There is no recorded committee transcript or vote history in the provided materials, so no formal debate or roll-call sentiment is available. Based on the bill’s subject matter and sponsorship, the proposal appears to be framed as a compassionate, family-support measure aimed at helping parents after a traumatic loss. The available context suggests a generally supportive policy posture, though no direct evidence of support or opposition is included.
Contention
No specific points of contention are documented in the provided record. Potential issues that could arise in discussion include the cost to the state, whether the $2,000 amount is adequate, how eligibility should be verified through a stillbirth certificate, and whether the dependency requirement could exclude some affected taxpayers. Any disagreement would likely center on administration, fiscal impact, and the scope of who qualifies rather than the underlying purpose of the credit.
Provides child tax credit for taxpayers with children ages six to 11 and increases amount of credit for taxpayers with children under 12 over period of two years.
Provides child tax credit for taxpayers with children ages six to 11 and increases amount of credit for taxpayers with children under 12 over period of two years.