The Equitable Outcomes in Child Support Collection Act aims to reform the current procedures for collecting child support from legally responsible persons for children in the care of the Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP). The bill amends existing statutes to eliminate the financial liabilities imposed on these individuals, which have been shown to negatively impact families and hinder the reunification of children with their parents. Specifically, the bill removes provisions that previously mandated full financial responsibility for maintenance costs and allowed for the imposition of liens, court-ordered fines, and other penalties for non-payment.

Under the new provisions, any current child support obligations, unpaid arrears, unsatisfied civil judgments, and warrants related to child support enforcement are declared null and void. This change aligns with revised federal policies encouraging states to limit child support collection efforts to better support vulnerable families. By waiving these financial obligations, the bill seeks to reduce barriers to family reunification and address issues of racial inequity and wealth gaps within the state. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 30:4C-29.1