Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Licensing sanction for unpaid child support sparks sharp debate; senators circle bill for amendment
Summary
Senators debated a proposed law (HB 297) that would allow administrative suspension of drivers' licenses for nonpayment of court-ordered child support. Supporters called it an effective enforcement tool; opponents raised due-process, constitutional and access-to-work concerns. A substitute centering judicial discretion was offered and the bill was circled for further work.
A proposed enforcement tool that would allow administrative suspension of driver’s licenses for nonpayment of child support — House Bill 297 — provoked a lengthy and often pointed debate on the Senate floor Feb. 26.
Senator Nathan C. Tanner, presenting the bill, said the measure targets obligators who have not responded to traditional enforcement efforts and noted other states have used license suspension to reduce arrears. "It's one of those heavy hammers that have been enacted," Tanner said, arguing that attaching a noncriminal…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
