Bill > SB703

This bill modifies how child support is treated for families receiving assistance under the Family Investment Program (FIP) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). For the FIP, the bill gradually increases the amount of child support that can be passed through to families without reducing their assistance benefits. In fiscal year 2027, the first $100 of child support for one child and $200 for two or more children will pass through, with this amount increasing in subsequent years: in fiscal year 2028, 25% of child support will pass through; in fiscal year 2029, 50% will pass through; in fiscal year 2030, 75% will pass through; and from fiscal year 2031 onward, 100% of child support collected will pass through to the family and be disregarded when calculating assistance amounts. The bill also prohibits local departments from considering child support when computing SNAP benefits, ensuring that families can keep more of the child support they receive. This change aims to provide more financial support to families receiving public assistance by allowing them to retain a larger portion of their child support payments. The bill will take effect on October 1, 2025.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0703?ys=2025RS