The Child Support Improvement Amendment Act of 2026 aims to modernize the District of Columbia's child support system by ensuring that all child support payments are directed to the families for whom they are intended, particularly those receiving or who have previously received Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Currently, a portion of child support payments collected for low-income families is retained by the District and federal government, rather than being passed directly to the custodial parents and children. The bill proposes a full pass-through of child support collections to these families, eliminating the exemption that allows the District to retain a portion of these payments. Additionally, it mandates that any state-assigned arrears paid off by non-custodial parents be passed directly to the families.

Furthermore, the bill seeks to reform the enforceability period and statute of limitations for child support collections. It establishes a clear enforceability period tied to the emancipation of the youngest child on the support order, with a defined post-emancipation period of five years for collections. This change aims to provide clarity and finality for non-custodial parents while ensuring custodial parents have a reasonable opportunity to collect support when it is most needed. The proposed amendments are designed to align local practices with federal options and prioritize the economic stability and well-being of children and families in the District.