LANSING — On the final day of 2015, state Representative Robert Kosowski (D-Westland) saw his House Bill 4742 signed into law by Gov. Rick Snyder. This legislation, now Public Act 255 of 2015, is part of a four-bill, bipartisan, bicameral package that will help ensure collection of child support payments when parents live in different states or countries.
“In divorce and child custody situations, we must make sure the child’s best interests are being preserved,” Kosowski said. “Just because a parent moves out of the state or even out of the country doesn’t mean the responsibility to provide for his or her child should end. This legislation brings Michigan in line with federal child support guidelines.”
PA 255 of 2015 amends the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA) by not only ensuring the collection of child support payments, but also streamlining the process for collecting both international and interstate payments. It also takes the burden of determining the legality of international child support orders off employers. The UIFSA provides universal and uniform rules for the enforcement of family support orders. This legislation repeals the current UIFSA and re-enacts the 2008 version, which brings Michigan in line with federal guidelines.
“When it comes to child custody, Michigan should not be an outlier,” Kosowski said. “We must protect the needs of our most innocent residents — our children. That’s why I was proud to work with my Republican co-sponsors in both the House and Senate on this important legislation. I could not be happier that Gov. Snyder signed my legislation into law on the last day of 2015. This is a great way to start the New Year.”