Committee advances update to South Dakota child-support schedule after data-driven debate
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Summary
The Senate Judiciary Committee voted to advance HB 1040, a four-year update to the statewide child-support schedule that would raise many obligations modestly; proponents cited economic data and commission review, while opponents warned higher obligations could strain noncustodial parents and risk compliance.
Representative Brent Stevens presented HB 1040, describing the child support commission’s four‑year review and the economic data used to update obligations across roughly 43,000 cases. “The updated schedule reflects an average increase of 3%,” Stevens said, adding the figures would remain in effect through July 1, 2030 unless changed by the next review. He told the committee the schedule aims to equalize a child’s standard of living across both households.
Matt Oltoff, cabinet secretary for the Department of Social Services, urged adoption and emphasized the commission’s eight public meetings and the technical work behind the proposal. “These are people who live, breathe that year‑round,” Oltoff said, arguing that cost shifts in goods, housing and child‑rearing justify the update.
Senator Tom Pischke testified in opposition, citing examples and calculator scenarios showing higher monthly obligations for many payers. “By imposing these higher payments, we risk pushing them into financial hardship, late payments, or even default,” Pischke said, warning that overly steep obligations can reduce parental involvement.
Committee members pressed sponsors on the availability of the materials used in testimony and on how frequently referees deviate from the schedule. Stevens and Oltoff explained that deviation is available by statute when application of the schedule would be inequitable and outlined the two procedural paths for modification.
After an initial tie and a brief delay to allow the return of a member, the committee took a new do‑pass motion and reported HB 1040 to the floor on a 4‑3 vote. The committee’s action sends the bill to the full Senate for further debate and possible amendment.