Be it enacted by the People, and by their authority, as follows:

SECTION 1. The purpose of this law is to encourage the people of Massachusetts in their support of charitable organizations through charitable giving.

SECTION 2. Whereas taxpayers should be allowed a deduction for charitable contributions, chapter 62 of the General Laws shall be amended by adding the following new section:

"Sec. 6I. Each taxpayer shall be allowed a deduction in determining the Part B taxable income, in addition to the deductions under Section 3, in an amount equal to the taxpayer's charitable contributions for the year, as defined under the Code and without regard to whether the taxpayer elected to itemize deductions on his or her federal income tax return."

Section 3. The provisions of this act shall apply to taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2001.