Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Appropriations Committee |
HB 1915
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Increasing the annual fee for child support enforcement services to implement federal program requirements.
Sponsors: Representatives Kilduff, Gregerson and Ormsby; by request of Department of Social and Health Services.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/21/19
Staff: Kelci Karl-Robinson (786-7116).
Background:
Federal law requires states to have a child support enforcement program that complies with federal requirements as a condition of receiving federal funds for child support enforcement and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) programs.
The Division of Child Support within the Department of Social and Health Services provides the following services:
Establishment of paternity;
Establishment and modification of child support orders;
Enforcement of child support orders; and
Collection of child support payments.
In providing child support services, federal law requires states to impose an annual fee on families who have never received TANF cash assistance. State law requires the $25 annual fee to be deducted from the support collected on behalf of the individual after the first $500 in child support is collected.
The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-123) raises the annual fee for child support enforcement services from $25 to $35, and increases the amount of child support that must be collected for a case to be subject to the fee from $500 to $550. This provision is effective in federal fiscal year 2019, but allows a delay for states that require a legislative change for implementation.
Summary of Bill:
Effective October 1, 2019, the annual fee for individuals receiving child support who have never received TANF cash assistance is increased from $25 to $35, and the amount of child support that must be collected for a case to be subject to the fee is increased from $500 to $550.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.