Georgia 2023-2024 Regular Session

Georgia Senate Bill SB520

Introduced
2/16/24  
Refer
2/20/24  
Introduced
2/16/24  
Report Pass
2/21/24  
Refer
2/20/24  
Engrossed
2/27/24  
Report Pass
2/21/24  
Report Pass
3/13/24  
Engrossed
2/27/24  
Enrolled
4/3/24  
Report Pass
3/13/24  
Chaptered
4/22/24  
Enrolled
4/3/24  
Chaptered
4/22/24  

Caption

Domestic Relations; provisions relating to income withholding orders; change and clarify

Impact

The bill's passage is expected to have significant implications for the enforcement of child and spousal support orders in Georgia. By establishing clearer definitions and procedures, it enhances the efficiency of the child support enforcement agency's operations. Additionally, it delineates the responsibilities and potential penalties for employers who fail to comply with withholding orders. With these updates, the bill seeks to minimize delays and ensure timely payment of support obligations, benefiting recipients who depend on these payments for their financial security.

Summary

Senate Bill 520 amends Title 19 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, focusing on modifying and clarifying provisions regarding income withholding orders in domestic relations. The bill replaces the term 'income deduction order' with 'income withholding order' to align state terminology with federal law, ensuring better compliance and understanding across both regulatory frameworks. This change aims to streamline the procedures for enforcing child support obligations by instructing employers to withhold payments directly from an obligor's earnings in cases of delinquency or when mandated by a court order.

Sentiment

General sentiment toward SB520 appears to be supportive, particularly among child welfare advocates and enforcement agencies. They view the changes as necessary for improving compliance and enforcing child support more effectively. However, there may be concerns from employers regarding the administrative burdens associated with implementing income withholding orders, as well as from obligors about potential consequences of non-compliance more effectively as enforced by this new regulation.

Contention

Some points of contention surrounding the bill may stem from the implications it has for image on obligors who cannot meet their support obligations. There could be heated discussions on whether the measures support the best interests of children at the cost of potentially marginalizing those who struggle financially. Furthermore, the transition from income deduction orders to income withholding orders may require significant updates to existing systems and processes for employers, leading to practical implementation challenges. This bill's provisions raise fundamental questions about balancing strict enforcement of financial responsibilities against the realities of individual circumstances.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

GA HB808

Support orders; income withholding order, employer fees.

GA SB623

Modifies provisions relating to child support orders

GA SB0095

Domestic Relations Recodification

GA HB733

Relating to certain personal information included in a decree of dissolution of a marriage, a qualified domestic relations order, an order or writ of withholding, or an order in a suit affecting the parent-child relationship.

GA SB1364

Modifies provisions relating to domestic relations, including maintenance orders

GA SB0119

Domestic Relations Recodification

GA HB06764

An Act Concerning Income Withholding For Child Support.

GA SB2043

Gaming winnings to be applied to past-due child support payments; DHS and Gaming Commission issue regulations for withholding.

GA HF2456

Cost-of-living adjustments in maintenance or child support orders repealed, and conforming changes made.

GA SB550

Generally revise income tax laws and clarify income tax reform provisions

Similar Bills

CT SB01181

An Act Concerning Child Support Enforcement And Expedited Establishment Of Paternity And Support In Title Iv-d Cases.

CT SB00368

An Act Concerning The Establishment Of Paternity And Support And Enforcement Of Orders In Title Iv-d Child Support Cases.

CT SB00109

An Act Renaming The Bureau Of Child Support Enforcement To The Office Of Child Support Services.

NJ A2748

Requires certain accuracy standards for child support wage garnishments.

CT SB00894

An Act Concerning The Office Of Child Support Services.

TX HB1777

Relating to requiring dental support for a child subject to a child support order.

TX SB120

Relating to requiring dental support for a child subject to a child support order.

TX HB3221

Relating to requiring dental support for a child subject to a child support order.