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HB1810

To Amend The Law Concerning Incarceration Of A Parent Who Was Ordered To Pay Child Support.

Failed

Last Action (May 1, 2023): Died in House Committee at Sine Die Adjournment

Sponsors

AI-Generated Summary

House Bill 1810 amends Arkansas law concerning the enforcement of child support obligations and the incarceration of parents who fail to pay. The bill clarifies that a court may order the incarceration of a parent who is not incapacitated and willfully refuses to pay past-due support, willfully refuses to engage in court-ordered work activities, or willfully refuses to seek work. Additionally, the bill provides judicial discretion to temporarily release an incarcerated parent from confinement to engage in work activity under court-specified terms and conditions. The primary intent is to facilitate enforcement of support orders while allowing flexibility for employment during incarceration.

Potential Impact Analysis

Who Might Benefit?

The primary beneficiaries include the custodial parents and children entitled to receive child support payments, as the legislation strengthens judicial mechanisms to compel non-compliant parents to satisfy their financial obligations or seek employment. Additionally, the courts gain clearer statutory authority to manage enforcement actions.

Who Might Suffer?

The primary group negatively impacted consists of non-custodial parents who are subject to child support orders and may face incarceration for non-payment or failure to adhere to court-ordered work search requirements. Individuals facing imprisonment may experience the loss of liberty and employment stability, even with the provision for work release.

Read Full Bill on arkleg.state.ar.us