The bill EHB 1014 amends various 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 a presumptive minimum support obligation from "one hundred twenty-five" percent to "180" percent of the federal poverty guideline for a one-person family. The bill establishes a minimum support obligation of "$50" per child per month, unless the obligor parent can demonstrate that this amount would be unjust. Additionally, it clarifies the calculation of gross monthly income for child support, introduces new definitions related to parental incapacitation and military duties, and outlines provisions for modifying support obligations in cases of behavioral health issues.

Further amendments include the establishment of a rebuttable presumption for incapacitated individuals regarding their ability to meet child support obligations, allowing for temporary reductions in support payments during court-ordered treatment. The bill also updates the economic table for child support obligations, raising the income threshold for determining support from $1,000 to $2,200 for families with three or more children, and introduces a new presumptive income threshold of $50,000 for combined monthly net incomes. The legislation mandates that the Department of Social and Health Services review child support orders for potential abatement when notified of a person's incapacitation and specifies effective dates for different sections of the bill, with a gradual implementation plan. Overall, the bill aims to create a fair and manageable framework for child support obligations that reflects current economic conditions and prioritizes the best interests of children.

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
Engrossed 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
Bill as Passed Legislature: 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
Session Law: 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