Child‑support changes: department seeks administrative fixes and clearer rules; committee gives bill a due‑pass recommendation

The Senate Judiciary Committee received testimony on Senate Bill 2080, a department‑sponsored bill from the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services that would make multiple operational and technical changes to child‑support law.

James Fleming, child‑support director at the Department of Health and Human Services, told the committee the changes are intended to improve customer service and internal operations as the agency builds a new case‑management system. Fleming described a package of clarifications and procedural changes: allowing any child‑support agency employee (not just an attorney) to request that a clerk schedule a contempt hearing; clarifying when support for an 18‑year‑old high‑school student ends (the month of graduation ceremony); changing affidavits to declarations so forms can be submitted remotely without a notary; extending the court calendar flexibility for national medical support notice protests (removing a 10‑working‑day requirement); and automatically terminating child support when parental rights are terminated to avoid inconsistent court orders.

Fleming said one operational change would allow the department to stop support administratively when the custodial parent certifies the child no longer resides with them even if a previously granted extension for finishing high school had been granted.

Fleming also urged repeal of an older statutory provision that authorized public disclosure of names and balances of people behind in child support and said the department has not used that authority; he said the public‑shaming statute is outdated and operationally difficult to administer.

After discussion, Senator Brownberger moved a due‑pass recommendation; Senator Mehrdahl seconded. The roll call recorded ayes from Senators Castaneda, Lewick, Bridal, Paulson, Bromberger, Corey and Chair Larson; the motion carried and Senator Lueck agreed to carry the bill to the next step.

Ending: The committee voted to advance SB 2080 by a due‑pass recommendation. Fleming said the proposals are intended to reduce needless court trips and clarify administrative practice; senators questioned operational timelines and the balance between administrative action and judicial review but ultimately supported the department package.