Summary of House Bill 336 (H 336)
Overview
House Bill 336 (H 336) is a legislative measure aimed at revising existing laws related to child support in the state of Idaho. The bill was introduced on February 26, 2025, and was signed by the Governor on March 28, 2025. It is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.
Purpose and Intent
The primary intent of H 336 is to transition certain provisions of child support services from administrative rules into statutory law. This move is designed to clarify and streamline the enforcement of child support obligations without creating new laws. The bill aims to enhance the effectiveness of child support collection and enforcement mechanisms.
Key Provisions
H 336 includes several significant amendments and repeals to existing Idaho Code sections related to child support:
Amendments to Available Remedies:
- Expands the remedies available for collecting child support delinquencies, including intercepting tax refunds, unemployment benefits, and veteran's benefits.
- Introduces fees for services rendered by the Department of Health and Welfare in establishing and enforcing support obligations.
Notification to Credit Reporting Agencies:
- Mandates the Department of Health and Welfare to notify consumer reporting agencies when a non-custodial parent has overdue support exceeding $2,000 and is at least three months in arrears.
Judicial Proceedings for Income Withholding:
- Clarifies the process for initiating income withholding proceedings to enforce support obligations, including the necessary documentation and court procedures.
Enforcement of Medical Support:
- Establishes new provisions for the enforcement of medical support obligations, ensuring that medical expenses for children are adequately addressed.
Review and Modification of Support Orders:
- Introduces provisions for the review and modification of existing support orders, allowing for adjustments based on changing circumstances.
Repeal of Certain Administrative Rules:
- Repeals specific sections of the Idaho Code that pertain to the authority of the Department to promulgate rules, effectively nullifying certain administrative regulations.
Impact
The bill is expected to impact various stakeholders, including:
- Parents: Non-custodial parents may face increased scrutiny and enforcement actions regarding overdue child support.
- Children: The legislation aims to ensure that children receive the financial support they are entitled to, which may enhance their welfare.
- Department of Health and Welfare: The department will have clearer statutory authority to enforce child support obligations and manage related processes.
Fiscal Note
The fiscal note accompanying the bill indicates that it will not result in additional expenditures or revenues for federal, state, or local governments. Instead, it is projected to save approximately $61 per page by ceasing the publication of certain rules.
Timeline
- Introduced: February 26, 2025
- Signed by Governor: March 28, 2025
- Effective Date: July 1, 2025
In summary, House Bill 336 represents a significant update to Idaho's child support laws, aimed at improving the enforcement and clarity of child support obligations while ensuring that the welfare of children remains a priority.