Title: An act relating to administrative proceedings.

Brief Description: Concerning administrative proceedings.

Sponsors: Senators Hargrove, McCaslin and Shin.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Human Services & Corrections:

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS

Staff: Indu Thomas (786-7536)

Background: The Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA), adopted in Washington in 1994, addresses child support issues that arise when parties reside in different states. Under UIFSA, a child support order of another state may be registered in Washington and enforced as if it originated in this state. At the time of registration, the court must provide notice of the registration to the nonregistering parties. If the nonregistering party contests the validity of the order, the court must schedule the matter for hearing and provide notice to the other parties.

The Department of Social and Health Services, Division of Child Support (DSHS) is the state agency that administers state and federal child support laws. DSHS provides various services to parents and to custodians which include: child support order establishment, modification, and enforcement. When a person who is obligated to pay support resides or has assets in Washington, a party or other state may request that DSHS take action to register a foreign support order in this state.

Summary of Bill: A party requesting registration of a foreign support order is obligated to provide notice of the registration and proceedings to the other parties. DSHS, rather than the court clerk, is directed to publish notice when publication is required.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.