Bill > HB1358

This bill modifies several provisions related to child protection across multiple areas of Missouri state law. Specifically, it expands the Champion for Children tax credit program by increasing the potential tax credit from 50% to 70% of contributions to qualified child-focused agencies (including Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) organizations, child advocacy centers, and crisis care centers) starting in 2025, and raising the maximum annual tax credit from $50 to $50,000. The bill also increases the total annual cap on tax credits from $1.5 million to $2.5 million. Additionally, the legislation makes significant changes to legal procedures involving child victims, raising the age from 14 to 18 for statements and recordings related to certain criminal offenses to be admissible as evidence. The bill also establishes a Sexual Assault Forensic Examination (SAFE) CARE network to provide specialized training and support for medical providers conducting forensic evaluations of child abuse victims. Furthermore, it modifies fee collection requirements to waive certain fees for homeless children, youth, and unaccompanied minors when obtaining licenses or registrations, and clarifies collaborative practice arrangements for medical professionals involved in child abuse assessments.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1358&year=2025&code=R