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House approves child‑support amendments calibrating imputed income for incarcerated parents
Summary
House Bill 310 passed the House 54‑16 after sponsors explained the measure imputes income for incarcerated parents at the greater of two measures (employment potential or minimum wage), with judges retaining discretion in individual cases.
The Utah House approved House Bill 310, a child‑support amendments measure, by a vote of 54 yes to 16 no on March 11.
Sponsor Representative Catherine Bryson told the chamber the bill addresses how to impute income for parents incarcerated for criminal acts, directing that income be calculated at the greater of two measures: probable earnings based on work history/occupation or a statutory minimum wage calculation. Bryson said the change aligns child‑support calculations with assessments of a parent's employment potential and prevailing earnings.
Members questioned whether the change could produce uncollectible arrearages when previously high‑earning parents lose licenses or future earning capacity — for example, a physician who later can only obtain minimum‑wage work. Bryson emphasized judicial discretion in individual proceedings, noting judges could adjust orders based on changed circumstances and that the provision is not mandatory but directs consideration of the greater of the two measures.
After debate and questioning, the House voted to pass HB 310, sending the bill to the Senate for further consideration.
