Bill > HB1490

This bill, concerning the Family Investment Program (FIP) which provides temporary cash assistance, aims to prevent the Department of Human Services from denying, reducing, or terminating assistance if an individual has a valid reason for not cooperating with child support requirements. It establishes that individuals will have "good cause" for noncooperation if they state that cooperating would risk physical or emotional harm to a child, if the child was conceived through incest or rape, if adoption proceedings are pending, if cooperation would discourage the noncustodial parent from maintaining a relationship with the child, or if cooperation is otherwise not in the child's best interest. The bill also outlines "adequate reasons" for noncooperation, such as circumstances beyond an individual's control like mail delivery errors, natural disasters, critical illness, or family crises requiring full attention. Importantly, the bill specifies that individuals claiming good cause or adequate reason are not required to provide written evidence or third-party verification, and their own statement will suffice, with the Department required to assist them in preparing a written statement if needed. The bill also clarifies that the Department cannot contact the noncustodial parent when determining good cause. These changes are intended to provide greater flexibility and protection for individuals receiving temporary cash assistance who face challenges in meeting child support cooperation requirements.

Budget and Finance

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1490?ys=2026RS