Arkansas House Bill HB1809

Arkansas 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/30/23
• Refer: 3/30/23
• Failed: 5/1/23

Caption

To Require Child Support Payments To Be Used For The Benefit Of A Minor Child; And To Allow A Court To Order A Person Receiving Child Support To Furnish An Accounting Of Expenses Paid With Child Support Payments.

Impact

By introducing such accounting measures, HB1809 seeks to protect the interests of the minor children receiving child support. If passed, this bill would amend existing Arkansas Code concerning child support, specifically addressing the obligations of custodians and payees in their use of the support provided. The law would offer courts the authority to ensure that payments are not misallocated and truly serve the children's needs.

Summary

House Bill 1809 aims to ensure that child support payments are utilized for the direct benefit of minor children. The bill mandates that all payments received by a physical custodian or payee must be spent in a way that supports the needs of the child. It also empowers the court to require detailed accounting of how these funds are used, which could foster greater transparency and accountability in the management of child support funds.

Contention

Opponents of HB1809 may raise concerns regarding the possible burden of required accounting on custodians and the associated administrative burden. Critics could argue that additional oversight might not be necessary as custodians often act in the best interests of the children. Nonetheless, supporters would assert that ensuring funds are tracked and documented is crucial for child welfare, particularly in cases where evidence may suggest that children's needs are not being fully met by current custodial arrangements.