The bill amends Washington state law to strengthen reporting requirements for self-employed workers and service providers regarding child support obligations. It introduces a new definition for "service provider," encompassing individuals or entities that earn $600 or more in a calendar year for services rendered. Service recipients are now required to report the hiring of these service providers to the Washington state support registry, including essential details such as the provider's name, address, and social security number, within 20 days of payment or contract initiation. Noncompliance with these reporting requirements may lead to civil penalties.

Additionally, the bill clarifies the responsibilities of service recipients concerning income withholding orders related to child support, mandating that they honor these orders similarly to employers. It establishes a framework for the retention and destruction of reports by the support registry and grants the secretary of the Department of Social and Health Services the authority to adopt implementation rules. The legislation also addresses enforcement procedures, requiring entities served with withholding orders to respond within 20 days and ensuring that such orders remain valid for 60 days after the termination of a contractual relationship with the debtor. Noncompliance can result in fines and allows the division of child support to utilize existing collection remedies and establish repayment agreements. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 26.23.060, 74.20A.080, 74.20A.350