INDIANA – Indiana legislators recently passed a family supports measure during the special session that provides various tax credits and exemptions for families adopting children.
One change was raising the adoption tax credit from $1,000 to $2,500.
Other changes include:
The governor shall transfer the first $1,000,000,000 of excess reserves to the pension stabilization fund. Provides for an additional automatic taxpayer refund for the 2021 taxable year in the amount of $200 to taxpayers who are eligible for an automatic taxpayer refund under current law.
Provides that a taxpayer who:
- is not eligible for the additional automatic taxpayer refund;
- was not claimed as a dependent of another taxpayer for the taxable year 2022;
- received Social Security benefits in the calendar year 2022; and
- files a tax return for the 2022 taxable year; is eligible for a refundable tax credit in the same amount of $200.
Establishes the Hoosier Families First Fund (fund) to be administered by the budget agency and specifies the purposes for which money in the fund may be used. Appropriates $45,000,000 from the state general fund to the fund for the state fiscal year 2023.
Provides a sales tax exemption for children’s diapers.
Provides that the gasoline use tax rate during the period beginning on the first day following the enactment into law of the bill and continuing through June 30, 2023, is capped at $0.295 per gallon.
Provides, however, that if the gasoline use tax rate as determined under current law for a month is less than $0.295 per gallon, the lesser tax rate shall apply.
Adds an additional exemption for an adopted child.
Increases the amount of the adjusted gross income tax credit to which an individual who is eligible to claim the federal adoption tax credit is entitled.
Provides that the postpartum period determined by the office of the secretary of family and social services during which Medicaid coverage is available to a woman must not be less than 12 months beginning on the last day of the pregnancy. Before November 1, 2022, requires the office of Medicaid Policy and Planning Office to research and compile total Medicaid reimbursement for inpatient hospital services and outpatient hospital and clinical services for Indiana and in states bordering Indiana for certain prenatal, pregnancy, postnatal, and pediatric wellness services.
Requires the office to prepare a report of the office’s findings and submit the report to the general assembly not later than December 1, 2022.
Adds donated breast milk to the list of supplies and services provided by Medicaid and the healthy Indiana plan.
Establishes the doula reimbursement advisory board.
Requires the office of the secretary of the family and social services administration to:
- Seek any necessary approval from the United States Department of Health and Human Services; and
- Adopt any written policies, procedures, or regulations determined necessary; to provide reimbursement for long-acting reversible contraception.
Authorizes a local health department, health care provider, or other human services provider to request a grant from the safety PIN (Protecting Indiana’s Newborns) grant fund to be used to assist individuals seeking contraceptives. Authorizes a local health department, a health care provider, or a human services provider to seek grants to provide instruction on the use of fertility awareness-based family planning methods.
Prohibits the State Department of Health from awarding grants for the distribution of contraceptives through school-run programs or to a minor without the consent of the minor’s parent or guardian.
Requires the State Department of Health to contract with a third-party vendor to conduct an evaluation concerning access to low-cost birth control and access to education and services concerning unwanted pregnancy.
Appropriates money for various purposes related to children and families.
