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Minutes for SB237 - Committee on Judiciary
Short Title
Requiring the court to consider the value of retirement accounts if a person loses income for certain reasons and eliminating the exemption of pension and retirement moneys from claims to fulfill child support obligations.
Minutes Content for Fri, Feb 14, 2025
Chairwoman Warren opened the hearing on SB237.
Natalie Scott, Revisor's Office, provided an overview of the bill and stood for questions. (Attachment 9)
Proponents, written only testimony was submitted by the following:
- Britany Jones, Director of Policy & Engagement, Kansas Family Voice (Attachment 10)
- Lucrecia Nold, Policy Specialist, Kansas Catholic Conference (Attachment 11)
- Alana Zimmer, Private Citizen (Attachment 12)
Ronald W. Nelson, Nelson & Varnell Family Law Practice, provided neutral testimony on the bill. He stated it is better to leave these nuanced issues to the Supreme Court and its Child Support Guidelines Committee charged with reviewing and revising the child support guidelines on a regular basis rather than locking Kansas law into a simple view of a very complex issue. (Attachment 13)
Alan D, Conroy, Executive Director, KPERS, provided neutral testimony on the bill. While we understand and appreciate the intent of ensuring financial support for children, the bill presents legal challenges for the Retirement System. (Attachment 14)
The neutral conferees stood for questions and discussion.
Marcilyn Martinez, Director of Child Support Services, Department for Children and Families, provided testimony in opposition to the bill. Consideration of individual retirement accounts for purposes of calculating child support, could pose additional expenditures and burdens to Child Support Services contractors and the courts. (Attachment 15)
The opponent conferee stood for questions and discussion.
No further conferees.
Chairwoman Warren closed the hearing on SB237.
