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HSB 159

A bill for an act relating to the suspension of child support and medical support in certain circumstances.

2025-2026 Regular Session

HSB 159 allows courts to suspend child and medical support obligations when custody shifts to the obligor, easing financial burdens for parents gaining custody.

Subcommittee recommends passage.
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Bill Summary · HSB 159

Summary of HSB 159: Suspension of Child Support and Medical Support

Bill Number: HSB 159
Introduced On: February 11, 2025
Status: Subcommittee recommends passage
Subject: Child Support, Medical Support

Purpose and Intent

HSB 159 aims to modify existing laws regarding child support and medical support obligations in specific circumstances. The bill seeks to provide a legal framework for the suspension of these support obligations when a substantial change in circumstances occurs, particularly when custody of a child is transferred to the party obligated to pay support (the obligor).

Key Provisions

  1. Modification of Support Orders:

    • The bill allows district courts to modify existing child support and spousal support orders when a dispositional or permanency order under Code chapter 232 places custody of a child with the obligor.

  2. Ex Parte Orders:

    • Courts are empowered to issue ex parte orders to suspend support obligations if:
      • A custody order under Code chapter 232 places the child with the obligor.
      • The obligor files a request for suspension of support.

  3. Termination of Suspension:

    • The district court can terminate the ex parte order suspending support when:
      • The child is returned to the party owed support.
      • The party owed support files an application with the court.

  4. Application Requirements:

    • Applications for ex parte orders must include:
      • The county where the order was issued.
      • The docket number.
      • The date of the custody order.

  5. Effective Date of Orders:

    • Ex parte orders suspending or terminating the suspension of support will be effective on the date they are issued.

Impact

  • Who is Affected:

    • This bill primarily affects parents who are obligated to pay child support and medical support, as well as the custodial parents who receive these payments. It also impacts the judicial system, particularly district courts handling family law cases.

  • Potential Outcomes:

    • The bill aims to streamline the process for modifying support obligations in response to changes in custody, potentially reducing the financial burden on obligors who gain custody of their children.

Procedural Aspects

  • Subcommittee Actions:
    • The bill was introduced and referred to the Judiciary Committee on February 11, 2025.
    • A subcommittee meeting was scheduled for February 19, 2025, at 12:30 PM in the House Lounge, where it was recommended for passage.

This summary provides an overview of HSB 159, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and the potential impact on families and the judicial system.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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