Relative to the duration of child support.
The implications of this bill primarily affect the enforcement and duration of child support obligations. The bill is designed to ensure that children who are continuing their education are supported financially until they complete their studies. Furthermore, it introduces amendments concerning children with disabilities, clarifying that support may continue past traditional termination points until the child no longer qualifies as disabled. This addresses existing gaps in financial support for families with disabled dependents, creating a more equitable legal framework for those involved.
House Bill 1282, titled 'AN ACT relative to the duration of child support', proposes significant changes to New Hampshire's child support laws. The bill modifies the termination of child support obligations, changing current stipulations in RSA 461-A:14, IV. Under the new provisions, child support will continue until either the dependent child reaches the age of 18, or if the child remains a full-time student at a secondary or elementary school, support will be provided until graduation or two months after the child turns 19, whichever occurs first. This is a shift from current law, which ties the end of support to the completion of high school or reaching age 18, adding a degree of flexibility for continuing support for students beyond their 18th birthday.
However, the bill has raised points of contention among legislators and advocacy groups. While many support the bill for its intent to provide extended protection for children's financial needs during their educational period, others argue about the potential burden placed on parents. Discussions around the associated costs of implementing these changes have also surfaced, particularly the estimated one-time modification costs to the New England Child Support Enforcement System, which is projected to be around $315,000. Critics are cautious about how these financial implications may affect families and state resources as the bill moves forward.