HB 548

HB 548 addresses the compliance with a legal support order for child support payments.

Supporters

Mark Pearson (R-Hampstead) said in the committee’s ought to pass report that this bill came from an individual who said he was in arrears regarding child support payments by one penny, which was a rounding error.

He said this bill allows a “grace amount” of $25 to avoid such situations in the future.

James Spillane (R-Deerfield) echoed these statements on the floor, sharing a personal story where he was impacted by this issue.

Debra DiSimone (R-Atkinson) said that there are people frustrated with this.

Opponents

Heather Raymond (D-Nashua) wrote on behalf of the Majority of the Children and Family Law Committee recommending that the bill is inexpedient to legislate.

She said in the report that the bill does not realize that current federal guidelines indicate that one must owe $550 and be at least 60 days in arrears before passport or driver’s license renewals can be frozen. In those situations, the $25 leeway would have little impact.

On the floor, she said that this bill was written due to one person’s perception, adding that this is an unfunded mandate and is a solution in search of a problem.

Pat Long (D-Manchester) echoed Raymond’s statement and that this issue can be resolved privately if needed.

Votes

An inexpedient to legislate motion was adopted 189-187. A reconsideration vote failed 189-193.