Bill > SB2043

This bill establishes a new mechanism for withholding gaming winnings to pay outstanding child support arrearages in Mississippi. The legislation requires the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) and the Mississippi Gaming Commission to collaborate on developing rules for intercepting cash game winnings, slot machine annuities, and sports betting winnings from individuals who owe past-due child support. When a person wins reportable cash winnings (defined as winnings requiring a W2-G tax form), gaming establishments must first check an electronic database to determine if the winner has child support arrears. If the winner has outstanding child support, the casino must withhold the appropriate amount and forward it to MDHS within seven days, paying the remaining balance (if any) to the winner. The bill provides protections for gaming licensees from legal liability in implementing these withholding procedures and allows winners to contest the withholding through an administrative hearing on limited grounds, such as mistaken identity or incorrect arrearage amounts. The law includes provisions for an administrative fee to be deducted from the winnings and sets a implementation deadline of January 1, 2026, giving gaming establishments and state agencies time to develop the necessary systems and procedures to comply with the new requirements.

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https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/SB/SB2043.xml