On April 7, 2025, the Maryland Legislature introduced Senate Bill 15, a significant piece of legislation aimed at reforming child support enforcement measures. The bill seeks to address the challenges faced by non-custodial parents, known as obligors, who struggle to meet their child support obligations, particularly those who may be facing financial hardships.

The main provisions of Senate Bill 15 include the reinstatement of driving privileges for obligors who demonstrate good faith in fulfilling their child support payments. Specifically, if an obligor pays their arrears in full, maintains consistent payments for six consecutive months, or participates in an approved employment program, they may have their driving license reinstated. Additionally, the bill allows for the expungement of records related to license suspensions if the obligor is compliant with employment programs or if the initial suspension was based on inaccurate information.

Notably, the bill includes a provision that exempts obligors whose income is below 250% of the federal poverty guidelines from these enforcement actions, unless they have been judicially determined to be voluntarily impoverished. This aspect of the bill aims to protect low-income individuals from further financial distress while encouraging compliance with child support orders.

Debates surrounding Senate Bill 15 have highlighted concerns about its potential impact on child support enforcement and the balance between ensuring that children receive necessary support and not penalizing parents who are genuinely struggling. Some lawmakers argue that the bill could lead to increased compliance and better outcomes for families, while others worry it may inadvertently enable non-compliance among those who could afford to pay.

The implications of this legislation are significant, as it seeks to create a more supportive framework for obligors while ensuring that child support remains a priority. Experts suggest that if passed, the bill could lead to improved financial stability for families and reduce the number of individuals facing the consequences of license suspensions due to unpaid child support.

As the bill moves through the legislative process, its future remains uncertain, but it has already sparked important discussions about child support enforcement and the need for a balanced approach that considers the financial realities of all parents involved.