(Juneau) - HB 514, sponsored by Representative Pete Kott (R-Eagle River), passed out of the House Judiciary Committee late Friday evening. The bill calls for modifications to the current child support system.

Among the changes proposed by the legislation are provisions to make both criminal nonsupport and aiding and abetting nonpayment of child support felonies. The bill would also give the department the authority to negotiate state debt through settlements or approved payment plans.

Representative Kott said, "Alaska's children deserve to be supported by both parents. We don't want parents who owe back support to give up and simply not pay." He went on to say, "This legislation was created to resolve problems experienced within the division over many years. I hope these modifications to the system will encourage parents to get current with their child support payments, to keep court ordered agreements, and to assist CSED in helping Alaska's families."

The state faces a loss of federal funds for CSED and the Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF) block grants if adjustments aren't made to the system.

HB 514 will now be scheduled for a vote by the full House of Representatives.

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