MS SB2162

Establishes public policy that children are harmed when parents with outstanding child support obligations divert money to gambling, and authorizes intercepting gaming winnings to pay arrearages

Requires gaming licensees to check a real-time electronic database provided by the Department of Human Services to identify winners with child support arrearages before paying out progressive slot machine annuities or cash winnings requiring IRS Form W2-G

Gaming licensees must deduct child support arrearages from winnings and forward the amount to the Department of Human Services within 7 days, paying only the remainder to the winner

Allows gaming licensees to charge an administrative fee up to $35 per intercepted payment and provides immunity from civil or criminal liability for disclosures and withholdings made under this law

Winners may challenge the seizure within 20 days only on grounds of mistaken identity or incorrect arrearage amount; Mississippi Gaming Commission must adopt implementing rules by January 1, 2016, with the law taking effect July 1, 2016