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AB 2395

Child support: compromise of arrears program.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by LaShae Sharp-Collins

California bill establishes program allowing obligors to settle accumulated child support arrears for reduced amounts, potentially relieving debt while reducing collections for custodial parents.

From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on HUM. S. (Ayes 10. Noes 2.) (April 7). Re-referred to Com. on HUM. S.
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Bill Summary · AB 2395

Legislative bill overview

AB 2395 establishes a compromise of arrears program for child support in California, allowing obligors (those owing child support) to settle accumulated unpaid child support debt for less than the full amount owed. The bill creates a mechanism for reducing the burden of back payments while attempting to generate revenue from obligations that might otherwise remain uncollected.

Why is this important

Child support arrears create significant barriers to financial stability and can perpetuate cycles of poverty, incarceration, and family instability. This program could help thousands of Californians resolve long-standing debt, though it also raises questions about fairness to custodial parents and children who depend on these payments.

Potential points of contention

  • Impact on custodial parents and children: Allowing obligors to pay reduced amounts directly reduces funds available to families already receiving inadequate support, potentially prioritizing debt relief over child welfare
  • Fairness and moral hazard: Creates incentive for obligors to fall behind on payments to qualify for settlements, and treats similarly-situated obligors unequally depending on arrearages accumulated
  • Revenue collection trade-offs: While settling some debt may recover funds otherwise lost, it also forgoes full collection amounts and may reduce future payment compliance if obligors expect future compromises

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

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