Introduced Version






SENATE BILL No. 153

_____


DIGEST OF INTRODUCED BILL



Citations Affected: IC 12-17-2; IC 31-14-11; IC 31-15-7-10; IC 31-16; IC 31-18-1-8; IC 31-33-1.5-8; IC 33-32-4; IC 33-37-5-6; IC 34-30-2-144.3.

Synopsis: State central collection unit and child support. Establishes the state central collection unit (unit) within the child support bureau to collect and process noncash child support payments. Requires clerks of court (clerks) to collect and process cash child support payments. Deletes references to "other person" and "other governmental agency" in statutes concerning the unit. Requires a party affected by a child support order to notify the unit or a clerk of an address change. Requires a person using income withholding to provide certain information to the unit. Repeals a provision regarding noncash payments of child support to clerks. Provides that the unit is not liable for certain errors in the disbursement and collection of child support payments. Provides the procedure the unit is to follow if the unit improperly disburses a child support payment. Makes certain changes concerning income withholding orders in enforcing dissolution of marriage, legal separation, and child support decrees. Provides that a collection agency that contracts with the child support bureau or a prosecuting attorney may, in addition to the collection of arrearage on a child support order, assess and collect from an obligor all fees, charges, costs, and other expenses as provided under the contract. Provides that an individual ordered to pay child support through income withholding shall also pay the annual child support fee through income withholding. Changes the support and maintenance fee to $26. Makes technical corrections. (The introduced version of this bill was prepared by the select committee on reorganization of child services.)

Effective: Upon passage; July 1, 2006.





Lawson C




    January 9, 2006, read first time and referred to Committee on Judiciary.







Introduced

Second Regular Session 114th General Assembly (2006)


PRINTING CODE. Amendments: Whenever an existing statute (or a section of the Indiana Constitution) is being amended, the text of the existing provision will appear in this style type, additions will appear in this style type, and deletions will appear in this style type.
Additions: Whenever a new statutory provision is being enacted (or a new constitutional provision adopted), the text of the new provision will appear in this style type. Also, the word NEW will appear in that style type in the introductory clause of each SECTION that adds a new provision to the Indiana Code or the Indiana Constitution.
Conflict reconciliation: Text in a statute in this style type or this style type reconciles conflicts between statutes enacted by the 2005 Regular Session of the General Assembly.

SENATE BILL No. 153



    A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning family law and juvenile law.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Indiana:

SOURCE: IC 12-17-2-18.5; (06)IN0153.1.1. -->     SECTION 1. IC 12-17-2-18.5, AS AMENDED BY P.L.234-2005, SECTION 32, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2006]: Sec. 18.5. (a) The bureau shall establish a program to allow a prosecuting attorney with which the bureau has contracted under section 18 of this chapter to contract with a collection agency licensed under IC 25-11 to provide child support enforcement services.
    (b) The bureau shall:
        (1) establish a list of approved collection agencies with which a prosecuting attorney may contract under this section;
        (2) establish requirements for participation in the program established under this section to assure:
            (A) effective administration of the plan; and
            (B) compliance with all federal and state statutes, regulations, and rules;
        (3) update and review the list described in subdivision (1) and forward a copy of the updated list to each prosecuting attorney annually; and
        (4) preapprove or approve all contracts between a collection agency and a prosecuting attorney.
    (c) A contract between a prosecuting attorney and a collection agency under this section must include the following provisions:
        (1) A provision that records of a contractor operated child support enforcement system are subject to inspection and copying to the same extent the records would be subject to inspection and copying if the contractor were a public agency under IC 5-14-3.
        (2) A provision that records that are provided by a contractor to the prosecuting attorney that relate to compliance by the contractor with the terms of the contract are subject to inspection and copying in accordance with IC 5-14-3.
    (d) Not later than July 1, 2006, the bureau shall provide the legislative council with a report:
        (1) evaluating the effectiveness of the program established under this section; and
        (2) evaluating the impact of arrearage reductions for child support orders under which collection agencies have collected under IC 12-17-2-18(c).
    (e) The bureau is not liable for any costs related to a contract entered into under this section that are disallowed for reimbursement by the federal government under the Title IV-D program of the federal Social Security Act.
    (f) The bureau shall treat costs incurred by a prosecuting attorney under this section as administrative costs of the prosecuting attorney.
    (g) Contracts between a collection agency licensed under IC 25-11 and the bureau or a prosecuting attorney:
        (1) must:
            (A) be in writing;
            (B) include:
                (i) all fees, charges, and costs, including administrative and application fees; and
                (ii) the right of the bureau or the prosecuting attorney to cancel the contract at any time;
            (C) require the collection agency, upon the request of the bureau or the prosecuting attorney, to provide the:
                (i) source of each payment received for arrearage on a child support order;
                (ii) form of each payment received for arrearage on a child support order;
                (iii) amount and percentage that is deducted as a fee or a charge from each payment of arrearage on a child support

order; and
                (iv) amount of arrearage owed under a child support order; and
            (D) be one (1) year renewable contracts; and
        (2) may be negotiable contingency contracts in which a collection agency may not collect a fee that exceeds fifteen percent (15%) of the arrearages collected per case.
     (h) A collection agency that contracts with the bureau or a prosecuting attorney under this section may, in addition to the collection of arrearages on a child support order, assess and collect from an obligor all fees, charges, costs, and other expenses as provided under the terms of the contract described in subsection (g).

SOURCE: IC 12-17-2-27; (06)IN0153.1.2. -->     SECTION 2. IC 12-17-2-27 IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2006]: Sec. 27. (a) Each circuit court clerk shall do the following:
        (1) Before January 1, 2007, receive the support money assigned to the state and paid under the terms of a court order in the clerk's jurisdiction and pay the money to the Title IV-D agency within the time limits established by P.L.93-647, as amended, and any related regulations that are promulgated.
        (2) Maintain all records concerning the payment or nonpayment of support money that have been assigned to the state and transmit the records to the Title IV-D agency upon request.
        (3) Contract with the Title IV-D agency for the performance and the remuneration for the performance of duties prescribed in this section.
    (b) Beginning January 1, 2007, for purposes of subsection (a)(1), each circuit court clerk may accept only support money that is paid in cash.
SOURCE: IC 12-17-2-28; (06)IN0153.1.3. -->     SECTION 3. IC 12-17-2-28 IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2006]: Sec. 28. The amounts appropriated for duties performed by prosecuting attorneys, circuit court clerks, or other agents under this chapter shall be distributed directly from the division. department of child services.
SOURCE: IC 31-14-11-2; (06)IN0153.1.4. -->     SECTION 4. IC 31-14-11-2 IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE UPON PASSAGE]: Sec. 2. (a) The court may order either or both parents to pay any reasonable amount for child support after considering all relevant factors, including the following:
        (1) The financial resources of the custodial parent.
        (2) The standard of living the child would have enjoyed had the parents been married and remained married to each other.
        (3) The physical and mental condition of the child.
        (4) The child's educational needs.
        (5) The financial resources and needs of the noncustodial parent.
    (b) The court shall order a custodial parent or third party under section 9 of this chapter who receives child support to obtain an account at a financial institution unless:
        (1) the custodial parent or third party files a written objection before a child support order is issued; and
        (2) the court finds that good cause exists to exempt the custodial parent or third party from the account requirement.
A custodial parent or third party ordered to obtain an account shall provide the clerk of the circuit court or other person or entity acting as assignee or trustee for remittance and the state central collection unit with an account number and any other information necessary to transfer funds to the account.
    (c) In accordance with its policies, a financial institution may restrict or deny services to a person ordered to obtain an account under this section.
    (d) This section may not be construed to require the clerk of the circuit court to remit child support payments by electronic funds transfer.
SOURCE: IC 31-14-11-9; (06)IN0153.1.5. -->     SECTION 5. IC 31-14-11-9 IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2006]: Sec. 9. The court may order that support payments be made to any appropriate person. or agency.
SOURCE: IC 31-14-11-11; (06)IN0153.1.6. -->     SECTION 6. IC 31-14-11-11 IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2006]: Sec. 11. (a) This subsection applies before January 1, 2007. The court shall require that child support payments be made through the clerk of the court or the child support bureau under IC 12-17-2 as trustee for remittance to the person entitled to receive the payments, unless the court has reasonable grounds for providing or approving another method of payment.
     (b) Beginning January 1, 2007, the court shall require that child support payments:
         (1) paid in cash be made through the clerk of the court; and
        (2)
paid by a noncash method be made through the state central collection unit established by IC 31-33-1.5-8;
as trustee for remittance to the person entitled to receive the payments.
SOURCE: IC 31-14-11-15; (06)IN0153.1.7. -->     SECTION 7. IC 31-14-11-15 IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2006]: Sec. 15. (a) A party affected by a support order shall inform the clerk and the state central collection unit established by IC 31-33-1.5-8 of any change

of address not more than fifteen (15) days after the party's address is changed.
    (b)
At the time of the issuance or modification of a support order, the parties affected by the order shall inform the clerk and the state central collection unit established by IC 31-33-1.5-8 of:
        (1) any change of address and any other conditions that may affect the administration of the order;
        (2) (1) whether any of the parties is receiving or has received assistance under the:
             (A) federal Aid to Families with Dependent Children program (42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.); or
            (B) federal Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) program (45 CFR 265);
and
        (3) (2) the Social Security number of any child affected by the order.
The Social Security number required under subdivision (3) (2) shall be kept confidential and used only to carry out the purposes of the Title IV-D program.

SOURCE: IC 31-15-7-10; (06)IN0153.1.8. -->     SECTION 8. IC 31-15-7-10 IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2006]: Sec. 10. Notwithstanding any other law, all orders and awards contained in a dissolution of marriage decree or legal separation decree may be enforced by:
        (1) contempt;
        (2) assignment of wages or other income; an income withholding order; or
        (3) any other remedies available for the enforcement of a court order;
except as otherwise provided by this article.
SOURCE: IC 31-16-9-1; (06)IN0153.1.9. -->     SECTION 9. IC 31-16-9-1 IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2006]: Sec. 1. (a) This subsection applies before January 1, 2007. Upon entering an order for support in:
        (1) a dissolution of marriage decree under IC 31-15-2;
        (2) a legal separation decree under IC 31-15-3; or
        (3) a child support decree under IC 31-16-2;
the court shall require that support payments be made through the clerk of the circuit court as trustee for remittance to the person entitled to receive payments, unless the court has reasonable grounds for providing or approving another method of payment.
     (b) Beginning January 1, 2007, except as provided in subsection (c), upon entering an order for support in:
        (1) a dissolution of marriage decree under IC 31-15-2;
        (2) a legal separation decree under IC 31-15-3; or
        (3) a child support decree under IC 31-16-2;
the court shall require that support payments be made through the clerk of the circuit court or the state central collection unit established by IC 31-33-1.5-8, as trustee for remittance to the person entitled to receive payments, unless the court has reasonable grounds for providing or approving another method of payment.
    (c) Beginning January 1, 2007, child support payments that are paid in cash must be paid to a clerk of the circuit court, and all noncash payments must be paid to the state central collection unit established by IC 31-33-1.5-8.

SOURCE: IC 31-16-9-3; (06)IN0153.1.10. -->     SECTION 10. IC 31-16-9-3 IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2006]: Sec. 3. (a) A party affected by a support order shall inform the clerk and the state central collection unit established by IC 31-33-1.5-8 of any change of address not more than fifteen (15) days after the party's address is changed.
    (b)
At the time of the issuance or modification of a support order, the parties affected by the order shall inform the clerk of the court and the state central collection unit established by IC 31-33-1.5-8 of:
        (1) any change of address or other conditions that may affect the administration of the order;
        (2) (1) whether any of the parties is receiving or has received assistance under the:
             (A) federal Aid to Families with Dependent Children program (42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.); or
            (B) federal Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) program (45 CFR 265);
and
        (3) (2) the Social Security number of any child affected by the order.
The Social Security number required under subdivision (3) (2) shall be kept confidential and used only to carry out the purposes of the Title IV-D program.
SOURCE: IC 31-16-9-4; (06)IN0153.1.11. -->     SECTION 11. IC 31-16-9-4 IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2006]: Sec. 4. The custodial parent and the noncustodial parent shall furnish the following information to the clerk of the court and the state central collection unit at the time of the issuance or modification of a child support order:
        (1) The parent's Social Security number.
        (2) The name and address of the parent's employer.
SOURCE: IC 31-16-10-2; (06)IN0153.1.12. -->     SECTION 12. IC 31-16-10-2 IS AMENDED TO READ AS

FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2006]: Sec. 2. (a) If the clerk of the court or the state central collection unit is notified by the Title IV-D agency or the agency's designee that:
        (1) the child who is the beneficiary of a support order is receiving assistance under the:
             (A) federal Aid to Families with Dependent Children program (42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.); or
            (B) federal Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) program (45 CFR 265);
and
        (2) an assignment of support rights in favor of the state is in effect against the person obligated to make child support payments;
the clerk of the court or the state central collection unit shall forward the child support payments directly to the Title IV-D agency without further order of the court.
    (b) The Title IV-D agency shall disburse the payments in accordance with federal regulations governing the Title IV-D program.

SOURCE: IC 31-16-12-1; (06)IN0153.1.13. -->     SECTION 13. IC 31-16-12-1 IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2006]: Sec. 1. Notwithstanding any other law, all orders and awards contained in a child support decree or an order directing a person to pay a child support arrearage may be enforced by:
        (1) contempt, including the provisions under section 6 of this chapter;
        (2) assignment of wages or other income; an income withholding order; or
        (3) any other remedies available for the enforcement of a court order;
except as otherwise provided by IC 31-16-2 through IC 31-16-11 or this chapter.
SOURCE: IC 31-16-15-1; (06)IN0153.1.14. -->     SECTION 14. IC 31-16-15-1, AS AMENDED BY P.L.234-2005, SECTION 85, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE UPON PASSAGE]: Sec. 1. (a) In a proceeding under IC 31-14 or IC 31-16-2 through IC 31-16-12 to establish, modify, or enforce a child support order, the court shall:
        (1) enter an order for immediate income withholding; and
        (2) modify any previously issued income withholding order that has not been activated under this chapter to provide for immediate income withholding.
    (b) The court shall issue the income withholding order to the income payor not later than fifteen (15) calendar days after the court's determination.
    (c) The income withholding order must order income payors to send

to the state central collection unit or other person specified in the support order under:
        (1) IC 31-14-11-11;
        (2) IC 31-16-4; or
        (3) (2) IC 31-16-9; or
        (3) IC 33-37-5-6;

the amount of income established by the court for child support at the time the order for child support is established, enforced, or modified and the annual fee required under IC 33-37-5-6.
    (d) However, the court shall issue an income withholding order that will not become activated except upon the occurrence of the two (2) conditions described in section 2 of this chapter if:
        (1) the parties submit a written agreement providing for an alternative child support arrangement; or
        (2) the court determines that good cause exists not to require immediate income withholding.
    (e) A finding of good cause under subsection (d)(2) must:
        (1) be written; and
        (2) include:
            (A) all reasons why immediate income withholding is not in the best interests of the child; and
            (B) if the case involves a modification of support, a statement that past support has been timely paid.
    (f) The income withholding order must contain a statement that if the withholding order is activated, income payors will be ordered to send to the state central collection unit or other person specified in the support order under:
        (1) IC 31-14-11-11;
        (2) IC 31-16-4; or
        (3) (2) IC 31-16-9; or
        (3) IC 33-37-5-6;

the amount of income established by the court for child support and any support or maintenance fees or payments as required by IC 33-37-5-6.

SOURCE: IC 31-16-15-4; (06)IN0153.1.15. -->     SECTION 15. IC 31-16-15-4, AS AMENDED BY P.L.234-2005, SECTION 86, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE UPON PASSAGE]: Sec. 4. (a) This section applies to the implementation of income withholding under an order issued under sections 1 and 3 of this chapter.
    (b) If the Title IV-D agency or the court becomes aware that the obligor has an income payor to whom a notice has not been sent under subsection (c) or an income payor to whom notice of delinquent

support has not been sent under subsection (c):
        (1) the Title IV-D agency in a case arising under Title IV-D of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 651 through 669); or
        (2) the court;
shall not later than fifteen (15) calendar days after becoming aware of an income payor send a written notice to the income payor that the withholding is binding on the income payor.
    (c) The notice to an income payor under this section must contain a statement of the following:
        (1) That the income payor is required to withhold a certain amount of income from the obligor.
        (2) That the total amount to be withheld under court order by the obligor's income payor from the obligor's income is the sum of:
            (A) the obligor's current child support obligation;
            (B) an amount to be applied toward the liquidation of any arrearages; and
            (C) an optional fee of two dollars ($2), which is payable to and imposed at the option of the income payor, each time the income payor forwards income to the state central collection unit; or other person specified in the notice;
        up to the maximum amount permitted under 15 U.S.C. 1673(b).
        (3) That the income payor shall:
            (A) forward the withheld income described in subdivision (2)(A) and (2)(B) to the state central collection unit or other person named in the notice at the same time that the obligor is paid; and
            (B) include a statement identifying:
                (i) each the cause number for each payee;
                (ii) the name of each obligor; and
                (iii) the name of each payee with the withheld income forwarded by the income payor;
                (iv) the Social Security number of each obligor; and
                (v) the Indiana support enforcement tracking system (ISETS) number for each payee.

        (4) That withholding is binding upon the income payor until further notice from a Title IV-D agency.
        (5) That the obligor may recover from the income payor in a civil action an amount not less than one hundred dollars ($100) if the income payor:
            (A) discharges the obligor from employment;
            (B) refuses the obligor employment; or
            (C) disciplines the obligor;


        solely because the income payor is required to forward income under this chapter.
        (6) That the income payor is liable for any amount that the income payor fails to forward under this chapter.
        (7) That withholding under this chapter has priority over any secured or unsecured claim on income except claims for federal, state, and local taxes.
        (8) That, if the income payor is required to withhold income from more than one (1) obligor, the income payor may:
            (A) combine in a single payment the withheld amounts for all obligors who have been ordered to pay the state central collection unit; or other governmental agency; and
            (B) separately identify the part of the single payment that is attributable to each individual obligor.
        (9) That if:
            (A) there is more than one (1) order for withholding against a single obligor; and
            (B) the obligor has insufficient disposable earnings to pay the amount required by all the orders;
        the income payor shall distribute the withheld earnings pro rata among the entities entitled to receive earnings under the orders, giving priority to a current support withholding order. The income payor shall honor all withholdings to the extent that the total amount withheld does not exceed the limits imposed under 15 U.S.C. 1673(b).
        (10) That the income payor shall implement withholding not later than the first pay date after fourteen (14) days following the date the notice was received.
        (11) That the income payor shall:
            (A) notify:
                (i) the Title IV-D agency if the Title IV-D agency gives the notice under this section; or
                (ii) the court if the court gives the notice under this section;
            when the obligor ceases employment or no longer receives income not later than ten (10) days after the employment or income ceases; and
            (B) provide:
                (i) the obligor's last known address; and
                (ii) the name and address of the obligor's new income payor, if known.
SOURCE: IC 31-16-15-7; (06)IN0153.1.16. -->     SECTION 16. IC 31-16-15-7, AS AMENDED BY P.L.234-2005, SECTION 87, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE

UPON PASSAGE]: Sec. 7. (a) Whenever an income withholding order is to be:
        (1) activated in a case arising under section 5 of this chapter; or
        (2) implemented by a Title IV-D agency under section 3 of this chapter despite the absence of a withholding order in the support order;
the Title IV-D agency shall send a written notice to the obligor.
    (b) The notice required under subsection (a) must contain a statement of the following:
        (1) Whether the obligor is delinquent in the payment of child support.
        (2) The amount of child support, if any, that the obligor is in arrears.
        (3) That a certain amount of income is to be:
            (A) withheld under court order or action by the Title IV-D agency from the obligor's income; and
            (B) forwarded to the state central collection unit or other person named in the notice. with a statement identifying:
                (i) the cause number for each payee;
                (ii) the name of each obligor;
                (iii) the name of each payee with the withheld income forwarded by the income payor;
                (iv) the Social Security number of each obligor; and
                (v) the Indiana support enforcement tracking system (ISETS) number for each payee.

        (4) That the total amount to be withheld under court order or action by the Title IV-D agency by the obligor's income payor from the obligor's income is the sum of:
            (A) the obligor's current monthly child support obligation;
            (B) an amount to be applied toward the liquidation of any arrearages; and
            (C) an optional fee of two dollars ($2), which is payable to and imposed at the option of the income payor, each time the income payor forwards income to the clerk of the court or other person specified in the notice state central collection unit established by IC 31-33-1.5-8 to the income payor under this chapter;
        up to the maximum amount permitted under 15 U.S.C. 1673(b).
        (5) That the provision for withholding applies to the receipt of any current or subsequent income.
        (6) That the only basis for contesting activation of income withholding is a mistake of fact.


        (7) That an obligor may contest the Title IV-D agency's determination to activate income withholding by making written application to the Title IV-D agency not later than twenty (20) days after the date the notice is mailed.
        (8) That if the obligor contests the Title IV-D agency's determination to activate the income withholding order, the Title IV-D agency shall schedule an administrative hearing.
        (9) That if the obligor does not contest the Title IV-D agency's determination to activate the income withholding order, the Title IV-D agency will activate income withholding.
        (10) That income withholding will continue until a court or the Title IV-D agency terminates activation of income withholding.
SOURCE: IC 31-16-15-8; (06)IN0153.1.17. -->     SECTION 17. IC 31-16-15-8, AS AMENDED BY P.L.234-2005, SECTION 88, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE UPON PASSAGE]: Sec. 8. (a) If a petition to activate an income withholding order is filed under section 6(2) or 6(3) of this chapter, the court shall set a date for a hearing on the petition that is not later than twenty (20) days after the date the petition is filed. The court shall send a summons and a written notice to the obligor. The notice must contain a statement of the following:
        (1) Whether the obligor is delinquent in the payment of child support.
        (2) The amount of child support, if any, that the obligor is in arrears.
        (3) That a certain amount for the payment of current and past due child support is to be withheld each month from the obligor's income and forwarded to the state central collection unit or other person named in the notice. established by IC 31-33-1.5-8.
        (4) That the total amount to be withheld each month by the obligor's income payor from the obligor's income is the sum of:
            (A) the obligor's current monthly child support obligation;
            (B) an amount to be applied toward the liquidation of any arrearages; and
            (C) an optional fee of two dollars ($2), which is payable to and imposed at the option of the income payor, each time the income payor forwards income to the state central collection unit or other person named in the notice; established by IC 31-33-1.5-8;
        up to the maximum amount permitted under 15 U.S.C. 1673(b).
        (5) That the provision for withholding applies to receipt of any current or subsequent income.
        (6) That any of the following constitutes a basis for contesting the

withholding:
            (A) A mistake of fact.
            (B) The parties have submitted a written agreement providing for an alternative child support arrangement.
            (C) A court determines that good cause exists not to require immediate income withholding.
        (7) That income withholding will continue until the activation of the income withholding order is terminated by the court.
        (8) That if the obligor does not appear at the hearing, the court will activate the income withholding order.
    (b) If:
        (1) the obligor does not appear at the hearing on the petition filed under section 6(2) or 6(3) of this chapter; or
        (2) the court grants the petition;
the court shall activate the income withholding order by mailing a written notice to the income payor as provided in section 10 of this chapter.

SOURCE: IC 31-16-15-10; (06)IN0153.1.18. -->     SECTION 18. IC 31-16-15-10, AS AMENDED BY P.L.234-2005, SECTION 89, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE UPON PASSAGE]: Sec. 10. (a) To activate or implement an income withholding order, in addition to the notice requirements imposed by sections 7 and 8 of this chapter:
        (1) the Title IV-D agency in a case arising under section 3 or 5 of this chapter; or
        (2) the court in a case arising under section 6 of this chapter;
shall mail a written notice to each income payor not later than fifteen (15) calendar days after the issuance of the income withholding order.
    (b) The notice to each income payor must contain a statement of the following:
        (1) That the income payor is required to withhold a certain amount of income from the obligor.
        (2) That the total amount to be withheld each month by the obligor's income payor from the obligor's income is the sum of:
            (A) the obligor's current monthly child support obligation;
            (B) an amount to be applied toward the liquidation of any arrearages; and
            (C) an optional fee of two dollars ($2), which is payable to and imposed at the option of the income payor, each time the income payor forwards income to the state central collection unit; or other person named in the notice;
        up to the maximum amount permitted under 15 U.S.C. 1673(b).
        (3) That the income payor shall:
            (A) forward the withheld income described in subdivision (2)(A) and (2)(B) to the state central collection unit or other person named in the notice at the same time that the obligor is paid; and
            (B) include a statement identifying:
                (i) each the cause number for each payee;
                (ii) the Indiana support enforcement tracking system (ISETS) case number for each payee;
                (iii) the name of each obligor;
                (iv) the name of each payee with the withheld income forwarded by the income payor; and
                (v) the obligor's Social Security number of each obligor.
        (4) That withholding is binding upon the income payor until further notice.
        (5) That the obligor may recover from the income payor in a civil action an amount not less than one hundred dollars ($100) if the income payor:
            (A) discharges the obligor from employment;
            (B) refuses the obligor employment; or
            (C) disciplines the obligor;
        because the income payor is required to forward income under this chapter.
        (6) That the income payor is liable for any amount that the income payor fails to forward under this chapter.
        (7) That withholding under this chapter has priority over any secured or unsecured claim on income except claims for federal, state, and local taxes.
        (8) That, if the income payor is required to withhold income from more than one (1) obligor, the income payor may:
            (A) combine in a single payment the withheld amounts for all obligors who have been ordered to pay the state central collection unit; or other governmental agency; and
            (B) separately identify the part of the single payment that is attributable to each individual obligor.
        (9) That if:
            (A) there is more than one (1) order for withholding against a single obligor; and
            (B) the obligor has insufficient disposable earnings to pay the amount required by all the orders;
        the income payor shall distribute the withheld earnings pro rata among the entities entitled to receive earnings under the orders, giving priority to a current support withholding order, and shall

honor all withholdings to the extent that the total amount withheld does not exceed the limits imposed under 15 U.S.C. 1673(b).
        (10) That the income payor shall implement withholding not later than the first pay date after fourteen (14) days following the date the notice was received.
        (11) That the income payor shall:
            (A) notify:
                (i) the Title IV-D agency in a case arising under section 5 of this chapter; or
                (ii) the court in a case arising under section 1 or 6 of this chapter;
            when the obligor terminates employment or ceases to receive other income not later than ten (10) days after termination; and
            (B) provide:
                (i) the obligor's last known address; and
                (ii) the name and address of the obligor's new income payor if known.

SOURCE: IC 31-16-15-15; (06)IN0153.1.19. -->     SECTION 19. IC 31-16-15-15, AS AMENDED BY P.L.234-2005, SECTION 90, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE UPON PASSAGE]: Sec. 15. (a) An income payor that is required to withhold income under this chapter shall:
        (1) forward income withheld for the payment of current and past due child support to the state central collection unit or other person named in the notice established by IC 31-33-1.5-8 at the same time that the obligor is paid;
        (2) include a statement identifying:
            (A) each the cause number for each payee;
            (B) the Indiana support enforcement tracking system (ISETS) case number for each payee;
            (C) the name of each obligor and the obligor's Social Security number; and
            (D) the name of each payee with the withheld income forwarded by the income payor; and
        (3) implement withholding not later than the first pay date after fourteen (14) days following the date the notice was received.
    (b) The income payor may retain, in addition to the amount required to be forwarded to the state central collection unit under subsection (a), a fee of two dollars ($2) from the obligor's income each time the income payor forwards income to the state central collection unit. or other person specified in the notice to an income payor under this chapter. If the income payor elects to withhold the fee, the amount to be withheld for the payment of current and past due child support must

be reduced accordingly if necessary to avoid exceeding the maximum amount permitted to be withheld under 15 U.S.C. 1673(b).

SOURCE: IC 31-16-15-16; (06)IN0153.1.20. -->     SECTION 20. IC 31-16-15-16, AS AMENDED BY P.L.234-2005, SECTION 91, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE UPON PASSAGE]: Sec. 16. (a) Except as provided in subsection (b), if the income payor is required to withhold income from more than one (1) obligor under this chapter, the income payor may:
        (1) combine in a single payment the withheld amounts for all obligors who have been ordered to pay to the state central collection unit or other governmental agency; established by IC 31-33-1.5-8; and
        (2) separately identify the part of the single payment that is attributable to each individual obligor.
    (b) If the income payor:
        (1) is required to withhold income from more than one (1) obligor under this chapter; and
        (2) employs more than fifty (50) employees;
the income payor shall make payments to the state central collection unit established by IC 31-33-1.5-8 through electronic funds transfer or through electronic or Internet access made available by the state central collection unit.
    (c) The department of child services shall assess a civil penalty of twenty-five dollars ($25) per obligor per pay period against an income payor that:
        (1) is required to make a payment under subsection (b); and
        (2) does not make the payment through electronic funds transfer or other means described in subsection (b).
The department shall deposit the penalties into the state general fund.
SOURCE: IC 31-16-15-20; (06)IN0153.1.21. -->     SECTION 21. IC 31-16-15-20 IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2006]: Sec. 20. (a) This subsection applies before January 1, 2007. The clerk of the court shall:
        (1) pay the income forwarded by the income payor to the person entitled to receive child support payments; and
        (2) maintain records to monitor and document the receipt and payment of income under this chapter.
    (b) Beginning January 1, 2007, the clerk of the court, for cash payments, and the state central collection unit, for noncash payments, shall:
        (1) pay the income forwarded by the income payor to the person entitled to receive child support payments; and
        (2) maintain records to monitor and document the receipt and payment of income under this chapter.

SOURCE: IC 31-16-19-1; (06)IN0153.1.22. -->     SECTION 22. IC 31-16-19-1 IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2006]: Sec. 1. (a) If:
        (1) an individual, by the terms of a court order or decree, is ordered to pay support money to or for the dependent wife, husband, father, or mother or child of the individual; and
        (2) the:
            (A) dependents are being supported in whole or in part by public money; or
            (B) parent of the dependents has sought the assistance of the agency designated to administer Title IV-D of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 651 through 669);
the court shall order that the payment of the support money be made to the clerk of the circuit court of the county in which the decree or order is entered.
    (b) If the support order is for a child:
        (1) who qualifies for assistance under IC 12-14-1-1; or
        (2) whose parent has sought the assistance of the agency designated to administer Title IV-D of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 651 through 669);
the court shall order that the payment of the support be made to the agency of state government designated to administer Title IV-D of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 651 through 669) in compliance with the federal regulations established for the administration of Title IV-D of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 651 through 669).
    (c) The order must contain:
        (1) the date when the first support payment is to be made; and
        (2) the frequency of the payments.
SOURCE: IC 31-16-19-2; (06)IN0153.1.23. -->     SECTION 23. IC 31-16-19-2 IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2006]: Sec. 2. If the court enters a decree or an order under section 1 section 1(a) of this chapter, the clerk shall:
        (1) immediately set up an appropriate account system in the case; and
        (2) maintain a continuous record of the payments to each account.
SOURCE: IC 31-16-21-1; (06)IN0153.1.24. -->     SECTION 24. IC 31-16-21-1 IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2006]: Sec. 1. (a) Whenever in any court proceeding an order is in force for
        (1) the support and maintenance of the other party to the proceeding, or
        (2) the support and maintenance of a child;
the individual required to pay the support shall pay the support.
    (b) The clerk, if the payment is in cash, or the state central

collection unit, for all other forms of payment, shall collect from the individual, in addition to the payments, the fee specified in IC 33-37-5-6.
    (c) The clerk may collect any unpaid fee in a proceeding for contempt.

SOURCE: IC 31-18-1-8; (06)IN0153.1.25. -->     SECTION 25. IC 31-18-1-8 IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2006]: Sec. 8. "Income withholding order" means an order or other legal process directed to an obligor's income payor to withhold:
         (1) support; and
        (2)
support fees and maintenance fees as described in IC 33-37-5-6;
from the income of the obligor.
SOURCE: IC 31-33-1.5-8; (06)IN0153.1.26. -->     SECTION 26. IC 31-33-1.5-8, AS ADDED BY P.L.234-2005, SECTION 95, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE UPON PASSAGE]: Sec. 8. (a) The child support bureau is created within the department of child services. The bureau is charged with the administration of Title IV-D of the federal Social Security Act.
    (b) The state's plan for the administration of Title IV-D must comply with all provisions of state law and with the federal statutes and regulations governing the program.
     (c) The state central collection unit is established within the child support bureau. The unit shall collect all noncash child support payments and process child support paid through income withholding.
SOURCE: IC 33-32-4-5; (06)IN0153.1.27. -->     SECTION 27. IC 33-32-4-5 IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2006]: Sec. 5. The state central collection unit is not liable and the clerk is not personally liable or liable in the clerk's official capacity on the clerk's official bond for funds received if the state central collection unit or the clerk:
        (1) through error or in accordance with the best information available to the state central collection unit or the clerk, disbursed the funds to a person the state central collection unit or the clerk reasonably believed to be entitled to receive the funds and to comply with a:
            (A) child support order; or
            (B) garnishment order;
        (2) inappropriately disbursed or misapplied child support funds, arising without the knowledge or approval of the state central collection unit or the clerk, that resulted from:
            (A) an action by an employee of, or a consultant to, the division of family and children; department of child services

or the Title IV-D agency;
            (B) an ISETS technological error; or
            (C) information generated by ISETS;
        (3) disbursed funds that the state central collection unit or the clerk reasonably believed were available for disbursement but that were not actually available for disbursement;
        (4) disbursed child support funds paid to the clerk central collection unit by a personal check that was later dishonored by a financial institution; and
        (5) did not commit a criminal offense as a part of the disbursement.

SOURCE: IC 33-32-4-6; (06)IN0153.1.28. -->     SECTION 28. IC 33-32-4-6 IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2006]: Sec. 6. If the state central collection unit or the clerk improperly disburses funds in the manner described by section 5 of this chapter, the state central collection unit or the clerk shall do the following:
        (1) Deduct the amount of funds improperly disbursed from fees collected under IC 33-37-5-6.
        (2) Credit each account from which funds were improperly disbursed with the amount of funds improperly disbursed under section 5 of this chapter.
        (3) Notify the prosecuting attorney of the county of:
            (A) the amount of the improper disbursement;
            (B) the person from whom the amount of the improper disbursement should be collected; and
            (C) any other information to assist the prosecuting attorney to collect the amount of the improper disbursement.
        (4) Record each action taken under this subsection on a form prescribed by the state board of accounts.
SOURCE: IC 33-37-5-6; (06)IN0153.1.29. -->     SECTION 29. IC 33-37-5-6 IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2006]: Sec. 6. (a) This section applies to an action in which a final court order requires a person to pay support or maintenance payments through the clerk or the state central collection unit.
    (b) The clerk or the state central collection unit shall collect a fee, in addition to support and maintenance payments. The fee is the following:
        (1) Twenty dollars ($20) for the calendar year in which the initial order is entered, unless the first payment is due after June 30 of that calendar year.
        (2) Ten dollars ($10) for the calendar year in which the initial order was entered, if the first payment is due after June 30 of that

calendar year.
        (3) In each subsequent year in which the initial order or a modified order is in effect, twenty dollars ($20) if the fee is paid before February 1, or thirty dollars ($30) if paid after January 31. twenty-six dollars ($26) for each calendar year. If an individual is ordered to pay the fee for a partial year, the fee shall be calculated at fifty cents ($.50) per week from the date of the support order until the end of the calendar year. The clerk shall collect this fee if the fee is paid in cash and the state central collection unit shall collect this fee if paid in a noncash method.
    (c) The fee required under subsection (b) is due at the time that the first support or maintenance payment for the calendar year in which the fee must be paid is due.
    (d) The clerk may not deduct the fee from a support or maintenance payment.
    (e) Except as provided under IC 33-32-4-6, IC 33-37-7-1(g), and IC 33-37-7-2(g), the clerk shall forward the fee collected under this section to the county auditor in accordance with IC 33-37-7-12(a).
     (f) Income payors required to withhold income under IC 31-16-15 shall pay the annual fee required by subsection (b) through the income withholding procedures described in IC 31-16-15-1.

SOURCE: IC 34-30-2-144.3; (06)IN0153.1.30. -->     SECTION 30. IC 34-30-2-144.3 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA CODE AS A NEW SECTION TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2006]: Sec. 144.3. IC 33-32-4-5 (Concerning child support funds received and disbursed by the state central collection unit or a court clerk).
SOURCE: IC 33-32-4-9; (06)IN0153.1.31. -->     SECTION 31. IC 33-32-4-9 IS REPEALED [EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2006].
SOURCE: ; (06)IN0153.1.32. -->     SECTION 32. An emergency is declared for this act.