Provides for consideration of certain child care expenses for purposes of child support when the expenses are incurred by a parent receiving job training or education. (8/1/14) (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX See Note)
This bill significantly impacts existing state laws regarding child support by recognizing the financial obligations related to child care during periods when parents are engaged in job training or educational efforts. By allowing these expenses to be counted towards child support calculations, it could potentially lead to more equitable support arrangements. This legislative change aims to alleviate the financial strain on parents who are attempting to enhance their employment opportunities while caring for their children, consequently promoting better parenting and economic stability in households.
Senate Bill 85 (SB85) aims to amend existing Louisiana child support laws by providing considerations for child care costs when calculating child support obligations. Specifically, the bill outlines that 'net child care costs' shall be added to the basic child support obligation, allowing for reasonable child care expenses incurred during job training or education to be factored in, provided these do not unduly burden the paying parent. The inclusion of these costs seeks to ensure that both parents can support the educational and employment aspirations while fulfilling their child support obligations.
The sentiment surrounding SB85 appears to be largely positive, especially among advocates for parents balancing work and education. The bill has been received favorably as it addresses challenges many parents face when trying to manage child care costs amidst pursuing career development. However, there may be some concerns regarding how the expenses are verified and the implications for parents who may find it challenging to accommodate these additional calculations within their child support payments.
Notable points of contention may arise around the definition of 'reasonable' child care expenses, with differing views on what constitutes undue burden. Critics might argue that while supporting parents in education is important, there needs to be a standard to prevent potential exploitation of the provisions by either parent. The viability of this bill will likely hinge on the clarity of its enforcement and the metrics used to assess financial responsibilities related to child care costs.