New Jersey Assembly Bill A3517

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/5/24
• Refer: 2/5/24
• Refer: 5/16/24
• Report Pass: 10/21/24

Caption

"Equitable Outcomes in Child Support Collection Act"; establishes procedures regarding collection of child support on behalf of children in custody of DCPP.

Impact

By implementing these changes, the bill is expected to alleviate financial burdens on many legally responsible persons—approximately 90% of whom are considered indigent. Thus, the proposed amendments aim to address the growing issue of child support arrears, which some reports indicate have increased by over 50% from 2017 to 2022. It aligns with revised federal policies encouraging a narrower definition of when child support should be sought, thus aiming to prevent the unintended consequences of continuing to pursue debts that frequently remain uncollected and inhibit family reunification efforts.

Summary

The bill A3517, titled the 'Equitable Outcomes in Child Support Collection Act,' seeks to amend existing laws concerning child support obligations owed to the Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP) in New Jersey. The legislation aims to redefine the liability for maintenance costs incurred by the state for children in its care, particularly those who are in resource family homes. The act will categorize many current child support obligations as unenforceable and subsequently discharge civil judgments, warrants, and liens related to these obligations. This reflects a significant shift towards supporting families and reducing barriers that may prevent family reunification.

Contention

Opponents may argue that waiving child support obligations could undermine financial accountability among parents, potentially leading to longer-term dependency on state services. Supporters of the bill, however, emphasize that removing these financial burdens is crucial to help families reunite and stabilize, suggesting that the long-term benefits of reducing family separation outweigh potential negatives. Overall, the act represents a major legislative effort to reform child support processes in a way that aligns with contemporary family welfare principles.