Assembly Bill 1115 proposes significant changes to the handling of child support orders and arrears when a child enters foster care. The bill repeals several existing statutes that mandated the assignment of child support orders and arrears to the state, effectively removing the Department of Children and Families (DCF) and county departments' roles in collecting child support for families with children in out-of-home care, except in specific cases where parental income exceeds 400% of the federal poverty line or when parents are receiving adoption assistance. Additionally, the bill eliminates the requirement for juvenile courts to order child support for juveniles under DCF supervision, except for modifications of existing orders.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new language regarding the best interests of the child in family court decisions related to child support modifications. It emphasizes the importance of considering family expenditures aimed at improving home conditions for potential reunification and stresses the need for placements that are least restrictive of the rights of both the child and the parents. The bill also consolidates and renumbers certain provisions related to correctional placement reports for juveniles, ensuring that reports include descriptions of less restrictive alternatives considered for placement. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the child support process while focusing on the welfare of children in foster care.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 46.10(1), 46.10, 46.10(14)(e)1, 48.33(4)(b), 48.33, 48.33(4m), 48.335(3r), 48.335, 48.355(2)(b)4, 48.355, 48.357(5m), 48.357, 48.363(2), 48.363, 48.645(3), 48.645, 49.345(1), 49.345, 49.345(14)(e)1, 301.12(1), 301.12, 301.12(14)(e)1, 767.001(1)(m), 767.001, 767.511(1m)(hm), 767.511, 767.59(1), 767.59, 767.59(2)(c), 767.77(1), 767.77, 767.78(1), 767.78, 780.01(5), 780.01, 893.415(2), 893.415