Earlier this week, the Georgia House of Representatives approved legislation that would expand a tax credit program aimed at supporting young adults who exit the foster care system.
House Bill 136, which passed by a vote of 170-2, seeks to raise the maximum amount of contributions eligible for state tax credits from $20 million to $30 million per year. The program, originally established in 2022, aims to assist the roughly 700 individuals who age out of foster care in Georgia each year upon turning 18.
Under the proposed changes, Georgia taxpayers would continue to receive dollar-for-dollar tax credits for donations made to qualifying nonprofit organizations. Individuals could claim up to $2,500 annually, while married couples filing jointly could receive up to $5,000. Businesses would be able to contribute up to 10% of their total state tax liability.
Rep. Mark Newton, R-Augusta, who spoke in favor of the bill, explained, “These are young people who often end up in poverty or homeless…if not for this help, they can end up in prison or pregnant.”
Donations to the program help provide former foster youth with essentials such as housing, medical care, food, and car repairs. The funds also support educational opportunities, including GED programs and tuition assistance for vocational training or college courses. At least 90% of contributions must go directly toward these services, with no more than 10% allocated to administrative costs.
The measure now moves to the Georgia Senate for consideration.
