Connecticut House Bill HB05600

Connecticut 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/20/15
• Refer: 1/20/15

Caption

An Act Concerning The Criminalization Of Failure To Pay Child Support.

Impact

If enacted, HB 05600 will amend existing statutes relating to child support payment enforcement. The move towards criminalization could provide courts with new powers to ensure compliance, potentially leading to harsher penalties for those who fail to fulfill their obligations. Proponents of the bill argue that this approach will promote accountability and ultimately benefit children by ensuring they receive the financial support they are entitled to. Conversely, critics may raise concerns regarding fairness and the potential for exacerbating the hardships faced by those unable to pay due to genuine financial difficulties.

Summary

House Bill 05600 proposes to criminalize the failure to pay child support in the state. The primary objective of the bill is to enforce child's rights to financial support by making non-payment a criminal offense. This change represents a significant shift in how the legal system deals with issues of child support, which have traditionally been handled as civil matters. By introducing criminal penalties, the bill aims to increase compliance among non-custodial parents who may neglect their financial obligations toward their children.

Contention

The introduction of criminal penalties for failure to pay child support is likely to spark intense debate regarding the implications for low-income families and individuals. Supporters argue that the measure will deter non-payment, while opponents might contend that it could lead to unnecessary criminal records for parents struggling to make ends meet. The balancing act between enforcing child support payments and ensuring that parents are not unduly punished will be a focal point in discussions surrounding the bill.