Bill > S2331

This bill addresses the child support collection practices for children in the custody of the Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP). The legislation aims to eliminate the financial burden on parents who have children in out-of-home care by nullifying existing child support obligations and arrears owed to the state for maintenance costs. Currently, the law requires legally responsible persons to pay for the full cost of their child's care, which can result in liens, fines, and court-ordered penalties. Recognizing that approximately 90 percent of these parents are considered indigent, the bill seeks to reduce family separation and improve reunification efforts. Specifically, the bill will: invalidate all existing child support obligations and arrears owed to DCPP as of the bill's effective date, vacate any civil judgments related to these obligations, review and cancel warrants issued for non-payment, and discharge any outstanding liens on property. The legislation is supported by federal guidance from the Children's Bureau, which encourages states to narrowly define child support collection to minimize negative impacts on vulnerable families. By implementing these changes, the bill aims to reduce racial inequity, wealth gaps, and barriers to family reunification while potentially saving the state money on costly collection efforts with low success rates.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S2331