Doubles the empire state child credit for young children

This bill (A 5549) increases New York State's child tax credit for families with children under age four. It raises the credit rate from 33% to 66% of the federal child tax credit amount for qualifying children under four, effectively doubling the state credit for this age group. The change applies to taxpayers filing for 2026 tax returns and directly benefits New York residents with young children who meet federal qualifying criteria. The policy modifies the state tax law without altering federal rules, focusing on targeted financial support for low-to-moderate-income families with infants and toddlers.