Arkansas 2023 Regular Session

Arkansas Senate Bill SB562

Introduced
3/31/23  
Refer
3/31/23  
Report Pass
4/3/23  
Engrossed
4/4/23  
Refer
4/4/23  
Report Pass
4/6/23  
Enrolled
4/7/23  
Chaptered
4/12/23  

Caption

To Amend The Law Concerning Incarceration Of A Parent Who Was Ordered To Pay Child Support.

Impact

The proposed changes could significantly impact enforcement mechanisms related to child support across Arkansas. By permitting incarceration for willful non-compliance, the bill seeks to strengthen financial support for children whose parents may neglect their obligations. However, the allowance for temporary release to engage in work activities may provide a more balanced approach, encouraging parents to meet their obligations without losing their freedom entirely. This dual approach aims to enhance compliance while offering pathways for parents to stabilize their financial situations.

Summary

Senate Bill 562 aims to amend existing laws concerning the incarceration of parents who are obligated to pay child support in the state of Arkansas. The bill specifically addresses scenarios where a parent willfully refuses to pay past due support or fails to engage in court-ordered work activities. The amendments proposed in SB562 would empower the courts to order the incarceration of non-compliant parents while also allowing for temporary release to seek employment, thereby blending punitive measures with opportunities for rehabilitation.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB562 appears to be generally supportive, particularly among lawmakers advocating for child welfare. The bill has garnered unanimous approval in its latest reading, indicating a strong consensus on the issue of child support enforcement. Nevertheless, there may be underlying concerns regarding the potential stigmatization or additional challenges faced by incarcerated individuals, thus necessitating careful implementation of the bill's provisions to ensure fairness and justice.

Contention

Despite the bill's overall support, there are notable points of contention to consider. Critics may argue that incarceration could lead to further socioeconomic disadvantages for non-compliant parents, limiting their ability to work and support their families. There is also the risk that the enforcement mechanisms could disproportionately affect low-income parents who may struggle with financial hardships, raising questions about the equity of using incarceration as a tool for enforcement. The balance between accountability and opportunity remains a key discussion point as the bill moves forward.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AR HB1069

An Act For The Department Of Finance And Administration - Child Support Enforcement Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

AR SB78

To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023; To Prohibit Foreign-party-controlled Ownership Of A Digital Asset Mining Business; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SB79

To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023; To Provide For The Regulation Of Digital Asset Mining Businesses; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SR16

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023 And To Amend The Requirements For A Digital Asset Mining Business Or Business Using A Blockchain Network.

AR HR1015

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023 And To Amend The Requirements For A Digital Asset Mining Business Or Business Using A Blockchain Network.

AR SB77

To Amend The Uniform Classification And Compensation Act; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SR5

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023 And To Prohibit Foreign-party-controlled Ownership Of A Digital Asset Mining Business.

AR SB80

To Amend The Revenue Stabilization Law; To Create Funds, To Repeal Funds, And To Make Transfers To And From Funds And Fund Accounts; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HR1009

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023 And To Prohibit Foreign-party-controlled Ownership Of A Digital Asset Mining Business.

AR HB1097

To Amend The Revenue Stabilization Law; To Create Funds, To Repeal Funds, And To Make Transfers To And From Funds And Fund Accounts; And To Declare An Emergency.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.