Bill > S2331

This bill, known as the "Equitable Outcomes in Child Support Collection Act," aims to reform how the state collects child support for children in the care of the Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP), a part of the Department of Children and Families. It acknowledges that current laws make parents legally responsible for the full cost of their child's maintenance while in DCPP's custody, which can lead to liens on property and other financial penalties. The bill highlights that many parents involved with DCPP are indigent, and the cost of collecting these debts often outweighs the amount collected, potentially hindering family reunification. Therefore, this act declares that any existing child support obligations or arrears owed to the DCPP for maintenance costs incurred while a child was in their care are now unenforceable and uncollectable, and any related civil judgments, liens, or warrants issued solely for these obligations are nullified and vacated. This change is intended to support families, reduce racial inequity and wealth gaps, and align with federal policy encouraging states to more narrowly define when child support should be sought from legally responsible persons.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

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