SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6651

BYSenators Owen, Rasmussen, Newhouse, Johnson and Hansen

Revising provisions for child support obligation.

Senate Committee on Law & Justice

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 31, 1990

Senate Staff:Richard Rodger (786-7461)

AS OF JANUARY 31, 1990

BACKGROUND:

The Washington State Child Support Schedule Commission was created in 1987 to review and propose changes to the child support schedule.  The commission proposed a mandatory child support schedule which was adopted by the Legislature and took effect on July 1, 1988.  The commission will expire on July 1, 1990.

SUMMARY:

New child support guidelines are adopted.  The guidelines are based on the Uniform Superior Court Child Support Guidelines which were used prior to 1988.  The top monthly net income for guideline purposes is reduced from $7000 to $3500.  Family size shall include natural children of a subsequent marriage.

The definition of income for guideline purposes is revised to exclude overtime pay, income from jobs worked beyond 40 hour workweek, nonrecurring bonuses, and up to $2000 in pension payments for self employed persons.

Credit for overnight stays is given for each night the child stays with the parent who is obligated to make the transfer payment.  Stepparents are not obligated to support or pay for the education of stepchildren.  Parents shall not be required to pay for post-secondary educational expenses.

DSHS may not charge a fee for establishment or collection of child support.  DSHS may not establish, enforce or collect attorney's fees.  The Child Support Schedule Commission is not extended.

A parent may file a motion for an accounting of how child support is being spent if:  (1) the parent is obligated to pay at least 50 percent of the basic child support obligation for both parents; and (2) the amount of support owed must be at least $300 for one child, $525 for two children, or $660 for three or more children.  A substantial portion of the child support must be spent for the direct benefit of the child.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:   none

Fiscal Note:    requested