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SCS/SB 978 - This act provides that the Department of Social Services shall establish a pilot program which will allow noncustodial parents to reduce the amount of state debt owed based on completion of the program. However, the amount of state debt shall not be reduced by more than two thousand dollars. The program does not change the noncustodial parent's child support obligations or compromise any arrears owed to the custodial parent or spouse. The goals of the program shall include empowering the noncustodial parents with the necessary resources to achieve gainful employment and encouraging noncustodial parents to be engaged with their children and to take financial responsibility for their children's well-being. A noncustodial parent shall be removed from the program and refused reentry for not demonstrating good faith efforts to achieve these goals and shall not receive a reduction in the amount of state debt owed. The Department must promulgate rules and regulations implementing the provisions of the act within one year of the act's effective date. The Department also shall submit a report to the General Assembly two years and five months following the promulgation of rules, which shall include information as specified in the act. The provisions of the act shall expire on August 28, 2020. This act is substantially similar to HB 1965 (2016) and HB 2053 (2016) and similar to SB 256 (2015). SARAH HASKINS
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