SENATE BILL REPORT

                            SB 5791

               AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 16, 1993

Brief Description:  Changing child support provisions.

SPONSORS: Senators A. Smith and Rinehart; by request of Attorney General

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE

Majority Report:  Do pass. 

     Signed by Senators A. Smith, Chairman; Quigley, Vice Chairman; Hargrove, McCaslin, Nelson, Niemi, Rinehart, Roach, and Spanel.

Staff:  Susan Carlson (786‑7418)

Hearing Dates: February 25, 1993

BACKGROUND:

In order to receive federal funding for child support programs, the state must comply with federal program requirements.  In 1992, two amendments were made to federal regulations:  (1) support orders must include a provision requiring obligor parents to keep the state Office of Support Enforcement informed of their current employer and whether they have access to health insurance; and (2) specific written findings must be entered if immediate wage withholding is not ordered. 

SUMMARY:

In child support cases that require payments be made to the Washington state support registry, the support order must state that the responsible party is required to notify the registry of the name and address of his or her current employer, whether he or she has access to health insurance coverage at reasonable cost, and if so, the health insurance policy information.

If a court finds good cause not to require immediate income withholding, there must be a written determination of why this would not be in the child's best interests.  In modification of support cases, there must also be proof of timely payment of previously ordered child support. 

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested

TESTIMONY FOR:

This bill brings Washington into compliance with recent changes in federal regulations.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  Bruce Clausen, Attorney General's office (pro)