Mississippi House Bill HB1082

Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

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

Caption

Child support arrearages; authorize DHS and State Treasurer to obtain from unclaimed property.

Impact

The proposed changes would amend Sections 43-19-31 and 89-12-39 of the Mississippi Code, thereby integrating child support enforcement initiatives with state property management practices. By allowing the state to utilize unclaimed property as a resource for collecting overdue child support, the bill aims to enhance the efficiency of child support recoveries. This will not only provide financial relief to custodial parents but also support the state's fiscal responsibilities by ensuring that children receive the financial support to which they are entitled.

Summary

House Bill 1082 seeks to amend several sections of the Mississippi Code to empower the Department of Human Services (DHS) and the State Treasurer to collaborate effectively in the collection of child support arrearages from individuals who are owners of unclaimed property. The bill allows for the interception of eligible unclaimed property to satisfy child support obligations, thereby expanding the means through which the state can enforce child support orders. This is particularly relevant for parents who have fallen behind on payments and who may have unclaimed assets that could be used to address these debts.

Contention

While the bill generally focuses on improving the collection process for child support, there may be concerns regarding privacy and the appropriateness of using unclaimed property for this purpose. Critics might argue that this approach could lead to unintended consequences for individuals unaware of their debts or who may struggle to reclaim their unclaimed assets. Nonetheless, proponents of the bill are likely to stress the importance of ensuring that children receive the necessary support and that the state's resources are effectively utilized.