Bill > SB2778

This bill introduces two key provisions to support grandparents who are caring for their grandchildren in Mississippi. First, the bill amends existing law to allow the Department of Human Services to provide monthly financial support to grandparents who have assumed primary care of their grandchildren, without requiring the grandparent to establish legal custody. These payments can be up to 100% of the standard foster care board payment, subject to legislative appropriation, and are contingent on the grandparent completing required training. Second, the bill creates a new tax credit for grandparents, allowing them to claim up to $2,500 in qualified expenses for each grandchild they are legally caring for during calendar year 2025 and subsequent years. If the full tax credit is not used in a given year, it can be carried forward for up to three additional tax years. The tax credit is specifically designed to help offset the financial burden of raising grandchildren and will be available starting July 1, 2025, with the Department of Revenue responsible for defining what constitutes "qualified expenses" through rule-making.

Budget and Finance

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/SB/SB2778.xml