Governor Signs Bill on Tax Break for Stillborn Children

Associated Press
May. 10, 2004

Arizonans with stillborn children will be entitled to tax breaks under a bill signed into law by Gov. Janet Napolitano on Monday.

Starting with the 2004 tax year, the bill (SB13003) allows a $2,300 state income-tax deduction from a taxpayer's federal adjusted gross income for a person who receives a certificate of birth resulting in stillbirth.

The bill's sponsor, Sen. Marilyn Jarrett, R-Mesa, said the tax break is intended to help families for funeral expenses and other costs incurred with stillborns.

According to a legislative staff memo, there were approximately 600 stillbirths annually in recent years in Arizona, resulting in approximately 400 certificates.

Legislative budget analysts estimated the new tax break's cost to the state at $34,000 to $51,000 annually.

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