Plain English Breakdown
The official text states reimbursement to local agencies depends on a future determination by the Commission on State Mandates.
Child Support Arrears Compromise Program Changes
This law raises the limit for reducing owed child support debt to $10,000, removes rules that blocked court challenges on decisions, and sets new deadlines and uniform forms for handling applications.
What This Bill Does
- Increases the maximum amount of old child support debt local agencies can reduce from $5,000 to $10,000.
- Removes a rule that said final decisions about reducing debt could not be challenged in court or through complaints.
- Requires new rules by July 1, 2027, so all local agencies use the same forms and steps for this program.
- Limits the total time to decide on an application from when it is sent until a final answer is given to no more than 180 days.
- Allows agencies to lower repayment amounts based on specific situations like job history or barriers faced by the person owing money.
Who It Names or Affects
- People who owe past-due child support (obligors).
- Local child support agencies that handle these cases.
- The Department of Child Support Services, which must create new rules and forms.
Terms To Know
- Arrears
- Child support payments that were not paid on time in the past.
- Compromise of arrears program
- A state plan where people can agree to pay less than their full old debt under certain rules.
- Obligor
- The person who is legally required to pay child support.
Limits and Unknowns
- New uniform forms and detailed procedures will not be ready until July 1, 2027.
- The law does not list the exact details of what counts as 'barriers' or specific employment history that allows for lower payments.