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Michigan House passes child-support reforms aimed at increasing collections
Summary
The Michigan House on June 10 passed HB 5510 and HB 5511, a package the sponsor said is focused on increasing child-support collections and avoiding felony convictions that remove parents from the workforce; both bills received immediate effect.
Lansing — The Michigan House on June 10 passed a two-bill package aimed at increasing child-support collections and reducing felony convictions tied to nonpayment.
Representative St. Germaine, speaking on behalf of the package, said the bills are “about one thing: getting more child support paid to the children who depend on it.” He told colleagues the state faces billions in unpaid child support and argued delaying certain criminal sentences could keep parents working and making payments rather than sending them to prison.
The measures considered together included House Bill 5510, which the sponsor described as allowing courts more flexibility to delay sentencing so parents can remain employed and make payments, and House Bill 5511, which creates a pathway for delayed entry of judgment in appropriate cases. During debate St. Germaine cited a statewide unpaid child-support figure of "5.6 billion" and provided county figures for emphasis.
Representative Edwards also spoke in support, saying the bills give judges discretion to encourage progress and stability for families.
Both bills were passed on record roll-call votes. HB 5510 passed 102 "I" to 3 "N" and HB 5511 passed 103 "I" to 2 "N." The majority floor leader then moved for immediate effect on each bill and the motion was ordered.
Why it matters: Sponsors said the package aims to prioritize children's receipt of support by keeping parents in the workforce and using alternatives to immediate felony conviction and incarceration. Supporters argued that keeping parents employed increases the likelihood of payments and reduces long-term harm to families.
Next steps: With immediate effect ordered on both bills, the measures will be enrolled and presented to the governor.
Quotes
“This bill package is about one thing: getting more child support paid to the children who depend on it,” Representative St. Germaine said on the House floor.
“If a parent is working, making payments, and taking steps to meet their obligations, our court should be flexible to encourage the progress,” Representative Edwards said in support.
Votes at a glance
House Bill 5510 — Passage: 102 I, 3 N; immediate effect ordered. House Bill 5511 — Passage: 103 I, 2 N; immediate effect ordered.
Provenance
topicintro: SEG 619; topfinish: SEG 747
