HB 1532 Summary

• Counties must reimburse the Department of Correction for costs incurred housing and providing services to delinquent children from their county, effective January 1, 2012, excluding children adjudicated for offenses against persons.

• Juvenile courts may order parents or guardians to pay or reimburse the county for wardship costs, with exceptions if the court finds the parent unable to pay or justice would not be served.

• Parents and guardians must submit a current child support obligation worksheet before any hearing to determine payment responsibility.

• Payments may be directed to the Department of Correction or local court clerk, with the Department tracking all payments and providing receipts and accounting to the county auditor.

• Unpaid parental reimbursement obligations can be reduced to final judgment and enforced through any court with jurisdiction, with the Department authorized to contract with prosecuting attorneys, private attorneys, or collection agencies to enforce collection (capped at 15% contingency fee).