Mandatory incarcerated parental child support review approved

A bill establishing a new process for reviewing and modifying child support obligations for incarcerated parents received final approval from lawmakers May 14.

Under LB704, introduced by Omaha Sen. Terrell McKinney, the state Department of Health and Human Services must initiate a review of a child support order within 15 days of being notified that a noncustodial parent will be incarcerated for more than 180 calendar days.

The review must be completed within 120 days. If DHHS finds that a decrease in the child support amount is not warranted, the department must grant the incarcerated noncustodial parent a conference to review that determination within 30 days. A parent may waive their right to a conference to review a determination and conferences may be held in person or virtually.

LB704 passed on a vote of 46-3.