House passes GiaQuinta bill to fill gap in child support law

INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana House members today supported legislation authored by House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta from Fort Wayne that would help fill a gap in state child support laws.

House Bill 1520, approved 89-1, would ensure that support continues for children who have turned 19 years of age while they are still in high school.

“Under current law, child support obligations end when the child turns 19 years old,” GiaQuinta said. “There are cases in which these kids are forced to make a difficult choice between finishing high school and getting a job to support themselves, and it’s because the law prevents them from receiving child support. House Bill 1520 is designed to fix this unintended consequence.”

The legislation would require a parent or guardian to file notice with the court that a child will be in high school after his or her 19th birthday. The court then could make sure that the support obligation continues from age 19 until the child graduates.

“The bill provides a clear, simple process that gives all parties due process,” GiaQuinta said. “Best of all, it enables high school students to be high school students.”

HB 1520—co-authored by State Reps. Lisa Beck (D-Lakes of the Four Seasons), Jerry Torr (R-Carmel) and Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville)—now moves to the Indiana Senate for consideration.