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HB 142

Child Support - Earnings Withholdings Limits

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kym Taylor

HB 142 establishes earnings withholding limits for child support obligations to balance obligor financial stability with consistent child support payments.

Hearing 2/05 at 1:00 p.m.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 142

Legislative bill overview

HB 142 proposes to establish limits on how much of an employee's earnings can be withheld for child support obligations in Maryland. The bill addresses the mechanics of wage garnishment for child support payments, likely setting maximum withholding percentages or thresholds to protect workers' take-home income while ensuring child support obligations are met.

Why is this important

Child support withholding directly affects the financial stability of working parents and the income available for basic living expenses. Establishing clear limits protects workers from excessive garnishment while maintaining reliable funding streams for child support recipients, making this a consequential policy affecting hundreds of thousands of Maryland families.

Potential points of contention

  • Balance between obligor and obligee interests: Setting withholding limits too high may reduce child support collections; setting them too low may inadequately support custodial parents and children
  • Impact on low-wage workers: Withholding limits disproportionately affect lower-income earners, as flat percentage caps remove more discretionary income from those with fewer resources
  • Interstate complications: Maryland's approach may conflict with federal guidelines under the Consumer Credit Protection Act, requiring careful legal alignment

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

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