Mississippi House Bill HB6

Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/3/23
• Refer: 1/3/23
• Failed: 1/31/23

Caption

Casino winnings; provide procedures for intercept of child support arrearages.

Impact

If enacted, HB 6 will have significant implications for state laws governing child support and gaming regulations within Mississippi. The legislation facilitates a framework where the state can collect child support directly from gambling winnings, thereby reinforcing financial responsibilities on parents who have been delinquent. The bill further mandates that the Gaming Commission devise and enforce guidelines detailing how these collections are to be implemented, which may also enhance compliance among gaming establishments in reporting and withholding arrearage payments from winnings.

Summary

House Bill 6 proposes amendments to the Mississippi Code, specifically targeting the intersection of child support obligations and gambling winnings. The bill aims to establish public policy that recognizes children are negatively affected when a parent with overdue child support diverts those funds to gaming activities. This legislative measure seeks to incorporate procedures enabling the Mississippi Gaming Commission and the Department of Human Services to intercept and seize winnings from individuals who owe child support arrears, ensuring that such funds are redirected to fulfill these outstanding obligations.

Contention

Notably, the bill has sparked discussions regarding the fairness and practicality of withholding gambling winnings for child support payments. Opponents raise concerns about the potential for overreach and the implications for individuals wishing to partake in legal gaming activities. Critics argue that such measures may disproportionately impact already vulnerable populations, drawing attention to the intricate balance between enabling parental responsibility and ensuring that individuals are not unduly penalized for financial misfortunes. The legislative discourse surrounding HB 6 reflects tensions between promoting child welfare and safeguarding individual rights within the gaming sector.