Requests Louisiana State Law Institute study the award of child support for adult children with disabilities.
The resolution emphasizes the need to evaluate the existing laws' implications on elderly parents, who may find themselves under unexpected financial strain due to the perpetual nature of child support obligations. The inquiry led by the Louisiana State Law Institute aims to explore potential legislative changes that could alleviate some of these burdens, potentially altering how such support awards are calculated or enforced. Depending on the findings and subsequent legislative recommendations, this resolution could lead to significant modifications in state law affecting child support and the obligations of parents.
SCR100 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution that requests the Louisiana State Law Institute to conduct a study on the feasibility of revising state law related to child support awards for adult children with disabilities. The resolution stems from concerns regarding the financial impact that ongoing child support awards can impose on elderly parents caring for their adult children who are disabled. This topic was initially addressed in Act No. 379 of the 2015 Regular Session, which mandates that child support payments continue indefinitely for unmarried adult children who require significant care due to their disabilities.
The sentiment around SCR100 appears to be largely supportive, as it addresses an important issue impacting a vulnerable demographic—elderly parents of adult children with disabilities. The resolution received unanimous support during its final consideration in the House, indicating broad bipartisan recognition of the challenges faced by these families. However, while the sentiment is positive toward studying the issue, there may be contention related to how best to balance the needs of disabled adult children with the practical realities faced by their elderly caregivers.
While the resolution does not propose immediate changes to the law, it opens the door for debate regarding how to equitably adjust child support for adult children with disabilities. Points of contention may arise around potential amendments to existing laws and on the extent to which parents should be financially responsible for adult children who may remain dependent for life. The findings of the study could spark discussions about fairness, responsibility, and the complexities of familial obligations in the context of both financial welfare and human rights.