The bill amends the General Laws in the area of divorce and separation, specifically regarding child support provisions. It introduces a new provision that allows the court to order child support for children aged 18 to 21 who are living with and primarily dependent on a parent, and for children aged 21 to 23 if they are dependent due to enrollment in an educational program. The bill also removes the limitation that previously prevented child support and education costs from being ordered beyond a child's 19th birthday. It includes factors for the court to consider when determining child support, clarifies that incarceration is not voluntary unemployment in these matters, and outlines the role of a guardian ad litem. Additionally, the bill allows for the automatic modification or suspension of child support orders when a noncustodial parent is incarcerated for 180 days or more, and it details the enforcement of child and spousal support arrearages, including the assignment of tangible personal property and the requirement for health insurance coverage for the child.

The bill also addresses temporary child support orders, community service for unpaid support, reimbursement of cash assistance benefits by grandparents, and the updating of support orders in the enforcement computer system. It specifies the process for serving notice in child-support-enforcement actions when a party's location is unknown. The act is set to take effect upon passage, indicating an immediate application of these provisions. The bill does not explicitly mention insertions or deletions to the current law but implies changes in the age eligibility for child support through court orders, extending it up to the age of 23 under certain conditions.

Statutes affected:
7199: 15-5-16.2