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S 2059

An Act establishing a tax credit for families caring for relatives with aphasia

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Patrick O'Connor

Massachusetts bill creates state tax credit for families providing home care to relatives with aphasia, offsetting caregiving expenses through reduced state income taxes.

Reporting date extended to Thursday June 25, 2026
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Bill Summary · S 2059

Legislative bill overview

S 2059 establishes a state tax credit for Massachusetts families who provide care for relatives with aphasia, a language disorder typically resulting from stroke or brain injury. The bill aims to provide financial relief to households bearing the costs of caring for aphasia-affected family members.

Why is this important

Aphasia caregiving often involves significant out-of-pocket expenses for speech therapy, medical equipment, and lost wages from reduced work hours. A tax credit would acknowledge and offset these burdens, potentially improving financial stability for caregiving families while supporting individuals with aphasia to remain in community and home settings.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact and specificity: The bill's cost to the state is unclear, and it's uncertain whether the credit amount and eligibility requirements are adequately defined to prevent budget overruns or inequitable distribution
  • Definitional scope: Questions remain about how "caring for" is defined, whether certification of aphasia is required, and whether the credit applies to professional caregivers or only family members, potentially creating ambiguity in implementation
  • Broader caregiving policy: Some may argue a targeted aphasia credit sets a precedent for disease-specific tax credits rather than addressing caregiving support more comprehensively across all chronic conditions

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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