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A 8385

Decreases the amount of time courts can imprison an individual for the non-payment of child support

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Noah Burroughs

A 8385 shortens jail time courts may impose for non-payment of child support, easing penalties for payors and steering enforcement toward alternatives like payment plans.

REFERRED TO JUDICIARY
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 8385

Summary: Bill A 8385 – Decreases the amount of time courts can imprison an individual for the non-payment of child support

Basic bill information

  • Bill number: A 8385
  • Title / purpose (as stated): Decreases the amount of time courts can imprison an individual for the non-payment of child support
  • Status: REFERRED TO JUDICIARY
  • Introduction date: May 13, 2025
  • Version content: Not provided in the available materials
  • Sponsor: Noah Burroughs (primary)

What the bill intends to do

  • The bill, by its title, aims to reduce the duration of incarceration that courts may impose for individuals who fail to pay child support. In other words, it seeks to shorten jail time tied to non-payment, typically arising in contempt proceedings or related enforcement actions.

Key provisions (based on the bill’s stated objective)

  • The exact text of provisions is not available in the provided materials. As drafted, such a measure would generally address:
    • The maximum or minimum length of detention for contempt related to non-payment of child support.
    • Conditions under which imprisonment may be imposed and any caps on confinement periods.
    • Requirements or guidance for using alternatives to incarceration (e.g., payment plans, work programs, community service) when non-payment occurs.
    • Safeguards to ensure due process, including notice, hearings, and opportunities to cure arrears or modify support obligations.
    • Potential transitional rules or grandfathering for cases already pending or in enforcement.

Note: The above bullet points reflect typical components found in child-support enforcement reforms but are not confirmed elements of A 8385 absent the bill text.

Who would be affected

  • Payors of child support who rely on court orders and enforcement mechanisms.
  • Recipients of child support who depend on timely payments.
  • Judiciary and family court systems that administer contempt proceedings and incarceration for non-payment.
  • Child support enforcement agencies tasked with enforcing orders and determining eligibility for alternatives to imprisonment.
  • The policy landscape around compliance, enforcement costs, and family financial stability could be affected.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Current stage: Referred to the Judiciary committee, indicating the bill is in the early to mid-stages of the legislative process and has not yet been debated on the floor or advanced to fiscal or substantive hearings (based on the provided status).
  • Action timeline: No further actions are listed in the provided materials beyond the initial referral on May 13, 2025.
  • Next steps for readers: Monitor committee actions and any available test or floor amendments; review the actual bill text once published to understand the precise limits, exemptions, and enforcement mechanisms.

Additional notes

  • The materials provided do not include the bill’s text, fiscal impact, or a summary of amendments. For a complete understanding, the official bill draft should be consulted once posted by the legislature.

If you’d like, I can add a section that outlines potential fiscal impacts or policy considerations once the full bill text is available.

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

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