SB 0521 Summary

• Support orders become final judgments on the due date and are generally not subject to retroactive modification, except during pending modification petitions with proper notice to the payer or recipient.

• Courts may impose contempt sanctions on support payers in arrears who have capacity to pay, including jail commitment (45 days for first offense, 90 days for subsequent), fines up to $100, work requirements, and supervision conditions.

• Bench warrants for non-paying support obligors require cash performance bonds set at not less than $500 or 25% of arrearage (whichever is greater) and permit vehicle immobilization; arrested obligors must receive hearings within 48 hours if unable to post bond.

• Parenting time violations may result in contempt findings with sanctions including makeup parenting time, fines up to $100, jail commitment (45 or 90 days based on offense count), license suspension, and bad faith sanctions of $250-$1,000.

• Support orders must include specific statutory notices, require parties to provide contact information and employment details to the friend of the court, and obligate parties to notify the office within 21 days of address or employment changes.