DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 337 Engrossed 2023 Regular Session Carpenter
Abstract: Eliminates the requirement of a minimum child support award.
Present law (R.S. 9:315.14) prohibits a court from setting a child support award below $100 per
month except in cases involving shared or split custody or a medically documented disability.
Proposed law repeals present law.
Present law (R.S. 9:315.1(C)(1)) provides that in determining whether to deviate from the guidelines
for child support, the court's considerations may include that the combined adjusted gross income
of the parties is not within the amounts shown on the schedule in R.S. 9:315.19.
Proposed law changes present law by providing that the court's considerations may include that the
combined adjusted gross income of the parties is equal to or less than $950.
Present law (R.S. 9:315.1(C)(1)(a)) provides that if the combined adjusted gross income of the
parties is less than the lowest sum on the schedule, the court shall determine an amount of child
support based on the facts of the case, except that the amount awarded shall not be less than the $100
minimum child support provided in present law (R.S. 9:315.14).
Proposed law changes present law and provides that if the combined adjusted gross income of the
parties is less than the lowest sum on the schedule, the court shall determine an amount of child
support based on earnings, income, and other evidence of ability to pay.
Present law (R.S. 9:315.2(D)) provides that the court shall determine the basic child support
obligation amount from the schedule in present law (R.S. 9:315.19) by using the combined adjusted
gross income of the parties and the number of children involved in the proceeding, but in no event
shall the amount of child support be less than the $100 minimum provided in present law.
Proposed law changes present law by providing that in no event shall the lowest basic amount of
child support in the schedule be construed as a limitation on the court's authority to deviate under
proposed law (R.S. 9:315.1(C)).
Effective Jan. 1, 2024.
(Amends R.S. 9:315.1(C) and 315.2(D); Repeals R.S. 9:315.14)