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 and entities earning $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, providing essential details such as the provider's name, address, date of birth, and social security number within 20 days of payment or contract initiation. Noncompliance may lead to civil penalties. Additionally, the bill clarifies that service recipients must adhere to income withholding orders related to child support, treating these orders similarly to how employers would, thereby enhancing the enforcement of child support obligations.

Furthermore, the bill revises existing laws concerning the enforcement of child support payments, particularly focusing on income withholding procedures and the responsibilities of financial institutions and employers. It mandates that entities served with an order to withhold and deliver must respond within 20 days, with the order remaining in effect until specific conditions are met, including an extension to 60 days after an employer's financial obligation to the debtor ceases. The legislation also increases fines for noncompliance with child support orders to a maximum of $100 per occurrence and establishes a framework for the division of child support to impose these fines. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2027, and aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of child support enforcement in the state.

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