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. 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 when an income withholding order is issued by the division of child support, mandating that they withhold payments from service providers as directed, akin to employer obligations. It specifies that these income withholding orders remain effective until certain conditions are met, such as the responsible parent no longer being employed. The bill also establishes new provisions for noncompliance, allowing the division of child support to issue notices and impose fines for failures to comply, with fines reaching up to $100 per occurrence. The act is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027.

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