Bill > HB142

This bill modifies existing Maryland law regarding child support earnings withholdings, which are deductions from a person's wages to pay child support and any past-due amounts (arrearages). The key change is the establishment of a new limit: for individuals whose annual income does not exceed 250% of the federal poverty guidelines, the total amount withheld for both current support and arrearages cannot exceed 25% of their "disposable earnings" – that is, their earnings after legally required deductions – unless they were found to have intentionally made themselves unable to pay. The bill also clarifies that when arrearages are being withheld, they can be paid in a lump sum or spread out over time, with the portion of each payment dedicated to arrearages being at least $1 but no more than 25% of the current support amount. Additionally, it updates language to ensure that earnings withholding orders and notices clearly explain the applicable withholding limits, including those set by federal law or this state's law, and specifies that these orders have priority over other legal claims. The bill also outlines a process for employees to contest certain withholdings related to health insurance coverage, limiting contests to mistakes of fact and specific issues like the amount exceeding legal limits. This Act is set to take effect on October 1, 2026.

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https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0142?ys=2026RS