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Proposed citizen oversight for Montana child support division draws sharp support and opposition
Summary
House Bill 352 would create a citizen-guided oversight committee for the Child Support Services Division (CSSD); proponents said it restores public input and fairness, while the Department of Public Health and Human Services warned the bill duplicates existing structures and risks delays.
Representative Curtis Schomer introduced House Bill 352 to the Senate Health and Public Health Committee on March 17, saying the bill would establish a citizen oversight committee to review guideline calculations and restore legislative oversight of Montana's Child Support Services Division.
Sponsor's case and proponents: Schomer and witnesses argued that Montana's child support program operates as a largely "administrative" system and that CSSD currently makes guideline and enforcement decisions with limited participation from case participants. Proponent Temple McLean told the committee that federal guidance and Montana's quadrennial report call for meaningful public input, including from low-income custodial and noncustodial…
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