A bill for an act relating to collection of accrued interest on unpaid child support by the department of health and human services.(Formerly HSB 620.)
Impact
The proposed legislation will impact state laws regarding child support enforcement, particularly in how interest on overdue support is managed. By removing the requirement for a court order, it is expected that HHS will have greater flexibility and efficiency in recouping funds owed for child support. This adjustment could potentially lead to increased revenue for the state as more unpaid support becomes collectible, contributing to the welfare of families in need of support. It also represents a shift towards a more proactive approach to interest collection, as opposed to a reactive one that necessitates judicial involvement.
Summary
House File 2519 aims to amend the process concerning the collection of accrued interest on unpaid child support debts by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The bill mandates HHS to collect interest accrued on these debts without requiring a prior court order. This change is significant as it streamlines the enforcement mechanism for collecting interest that accumulates on unpaid obligations, thereby enhancing HHS's ability to manage child support collections effectively. Currently, while HHS is allowed to collect this interest, it is not obligated to do so and must maintain accounts for interest balances, which this bill proposes to eliminate.
Contention
Despite the apparent benefits of HF2519, there could be contention surrounding the implications of reduced judicial oversight in the collection process. Critics might argue that bypassing court orders could lead to abuses or mismanagement of the collection process, affecting the rights of noncustodial parents. Additionally, advocates for parents may raise concerns about the potential burden on families already facing financial difficulties. Therefore, while the bill seeks to address the efficiency of collections, it also opens up discussions regarding fairness and equity in child support enforcement.
Related
A bill for an act relating to collection of accrued interest on unpaid child support by the department of health and human services.(See HF 2519.)
A bill for an act relating to a review of anti-obesity medications by the department of health and human services for purposes of the medical assistance program.(Formerly HSB 209.)
A bill for an act relating to the suspension of child support and medical support in certain circumstances. (Formerly SSB 1123.) Effective date: 07/01/2026.
A bill for an act relating to early childhood and family services, including the creation of an early childhood and family services system, state child care assistance for the child care workforce, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly HSB 623; See HF 2795.)
A bill for an act relating to a review of anti-obesity medications by the department of health and human services and the department of administrative services for purposes of the medical assistance program and health insurance plans for state employees.(Formerly SSB 1138.)
A bill for an act relating to early childhood and family services, including the creation of an early childhood and family services system, state child care assistance for the child care workforce, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly SSB 3111; See SF 2488.)
A bill for an act relating to the supplemental nutrition assistance program; the medical assistance program; the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children; and other public assistance programs under the purview of the department of health and human services. (Formerly HSB 696.)
Property: recording; marketable record title act; revise. Amends title & secs. 1, 1a, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 & 8 of 1945 PA 200 (MCL 565.101 et seq.) & adds sec. 5a.