Child Support Office proposes changes to outdated laws on arrears and public shaming

The North Dakota House Judiciary Committee convened on February 25, 2025, to discuss proposed changes to child support enforcement laws. The meeting focused on several key amendments aimed at modernizing the state's approach to child support collection and addressing existing inequities.

One significant proposal is the removal of the requirement for child support offices to be located in all eight planning regions of the state. This change reflects the evolving workplace dynamics, particularly the rise of teleworking, which allows employees to work from home rather than in traditional office settings. The department emphasized that this requirement is now outdated and no longer necessary.

Another important discussion centered on the accrual of interest on past due child support obligations, known as arrears. Currently, interest stops accruing during a protest period when a parent contests a payment. The department argued that this policy is unfair, as custodial parents do not receive the owed payments during this time. The proposed change would allow interest to continue accruing on arrears, ensuring that custodial parents are not financially disadvantaged.

The committee also considered the repeal of a rarely used enforcement tool: the creation of "most wanted" posters for parents who are significantly delinquent in child support payments. The department expressed that public shaming is not an effective strategy for encouraging compliance, as many parents face challenges that contribute to their delinquency, such as job loss or health issues. The department believes that removing this tool aligns with a more compassionate approach to enforcement.

Additionally, the meeting addressed the maintenance of a historical list of individuals held in contempt of court for child support issues. The department noted that this list can lead to customer complaints and does not serve a beneficial purpose, especially as many individuals may have resolved their arrears over time.

The proposed changes aim to streamline child support processes and improve the overall experience for families involved. The committee concluded the meeting without further questions, indicating a potential move towards adopting these amendments in the near future.