The bill amends several sections of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) to implement recommendations from the 2023 child support schedule work group, focusing on child support obligations. Key changes include adjusting the maximum child support obligation from "forty-five" percent to "45" percent of a parent's net income and increasing the threshold for presumptive minimum support obligations from "one hundred twenty-five" percent to "180" percent of the federal poverty guideline for a one-person family. It establishes a presumptive minimum support obligation of "$50" per child per month for parents with income below this threshold and clarifies the calculation of gross monthly income, including mandatory state deductions. The bill also introduces new definitions related to child support and outlines the sharing of educational expenses between parents.

Additionally, the bill addresses child support obligations for incapacitated individuals, establishing a rebuttable presumption that they cannot meet their obligations unless evidence suggests otherwise. It allows for temporary reductions of support obligations during court-ordered behavioral health treatment and mandates the Department of Social and Health Services to review support orders upon notification of incapacitation. The bill also clarifies processes for modifying support orders, introduces provisions for abatement under specific circumstances, and updates the economic table for determining monthly basic support obligations. Overall, the bill aims to create a more equitable and structured framework for child support obligations in Washington State, ensuring that they reflect current economic conditions and the needs of families.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 26.19.065, 26.19.071, 26.19.080, 26.09.170, 26.23.050, 74.20A.055, 74.20A.056, 74.20A.059, 26.19.020
Substitute Bill: 26.19.065, 26.19.071, 26.19.080, 26.09.170, 26.23.050, 74.20A.055, 74.20A.056, 74.20A.059, 26.19.020