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 provisions that require these individuals to be financially liable for the full maintenance costs of the child, including the imposition of liens, court-ordered fines, and other penalties. Instead, the legislation establishes that any current child support obligations, unpaid arrears, unsatisfied civil judgments, and warrants related to these obligations are to be deemed null and void, thereby vacating and discharging them.

This legislative change is in response to findings that the existing child support collection practices disproportionately affect low-income families and hinder the reunification of children with their families. By aligning state policies with revised federal guidelines, the bill seeks to reduce the financial burden on families and promote better outcomes for children in out-of-home placements. The act is designed to support families under DCPP's care and address issues of racial inequity and wealth gaps within the state.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 30:4C-29.1