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House narrowly approves license-suspension measure for certain child-support delinquencies
Summary
After extended debate and a call of the House, lawmakers passed first-substitute H.B. 268 allowing professional or driver's-license suspension in narrowly defined, last-resort child-support enforcement situations; sponsor cited out-of-state collections data and the House approved the measure 42–30.
The House debated H.B. 268, brought by Representative Doyle M. Mortimer, which would allow the revocation or suspension of professional and driver's licenses as a last-resort enforcement tool for obligors who are in arrears and refuse to cooperate with the Office of Recovery Services.
Mortimer described procedural safeguards in the bill: an obligor would be considered for revocation only if they are in arrears, have failed to comply with an arrearage order, and have not entered into a payment agreement with the Office of Recovery Services. The sponsor emphasized exemptions and protections, including the opportunity to obtain a provisional driver's license to drive to and from work if a suspension occurs.
Mortimer cited experience from other states showing significant collection increases and few actual license revocations when notification and collection efforts were applied (he cited Maine, California and South Dakota numbers as examples). Opponents highlighted constitutional issues and the risk of depriving individuals of the ability to earn a living; Representative Short said license revocation can precipitate loss of income for workers who have limited transportation options.
A call of the House was demanded during the closely contested vote. After procedures to ensure quorum, the clerk announced the result: first substitute H.B. 268 passed the House by a vote of 42 yes and 30 no. The measure will be forwarded to the Senate for its consideration.
