Mississippi House Bill HB1083

Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/22
• Refer: 1/17/22
• Failed: 2/1/22

Caption

Child Support; require insurers to provide MDHS certain information for noncustodial, delinquent parents.

Impact

The legislation will significantly modify current state laws governing child support enforcement. With the creation of a structured process for information exchange, MDHS will gain a powerful tool in tracking and securing child support payments. The bill allows MDHS to initiate asset seizure processes against noncustodial parents who fall behind on payments, thereby aiming to enhance compliance and reduce child poverty rates associated with delinquent support. This could ultimately improve the financial stability of families relying on these payments for their livelihoods.

Summary

House Bill 1083 focuses on enforcing child support obligations by requiring insurers in Mississippi to exchange information with the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS). The bill mandates that insurers verify if a claimant owes any child support debt when a claim seeks an economic benefit of $500 or more. This provision aims to assist in the collection of overdue support payments from noncustodial parents, thereby addressing the state’s concerns regarding delinquent child support. With the implementation of this act, insurers will be held responsible for verifying and reporting any existing debts within a five-day window of claim initiation.

Contention

While proponents argue that HB 1083 will strengthen support collection mechanisms, there are concerns regarding overreach and privacy issues. Critics may express apprehension about insurers being tasked with enforcement roles that extend beyond their traditional functions. Moreover, there may be fears surrounding the potential for financial ramifications on claimants who are unaware of their debts when filing claims, potentially complicating financial recovery for insured individuals. The need for balancing effective enforcement with protecting the rights and privacy of individuals remains a notable point of contention as the bill progresses.