BALTIMORE, Md. — Maryland has enacted two new laws to reform its child support system, aiming to ensure payments reach children and ease burdens on low-income parents. Signed by Governor Wes Moore, House Bill 881 introduces a full child support pass-through, while House Bill 681 exempts certain parents from driver’s license suspensions for unpaid support. These measures address long-standing issues faced by custodial and non-custodial parents, particularly those receiving public benefits or struggling financially.
House Bill 881, effective July 2026, allows custodial parents to receive 100% of child support payments by 2031, starting with 25% in 2026 and increasing incrementally. Previously, parents on public benefits had to relinquish child support rights, with the state retaining payments as reimbursement. A 2019 initiative permitted $100 monthly for one child or $200 for two or more, but families still lost significant funds. Maryland joins Illinois as the second state to implement a full pass-through, ensuring money intended for children reaches them.
The law responds to challenges faced by parents like Margaret Neal, whose daughter missed opportunities like dance school because child support payments were diverted to the state. Neal, who overcame homelessness and addiction, testified for the bill to help families in similar situations. Though her daughter is now an adult, Neal’s advocacy focused on supporting young parents raising children.
House Bill 681, effective October 2025, protects low-income parents from automatic driver’s license suspensions for child support arrears. Parents earning 250% or less of the federal poverty line—approximately $37,650 annually—are exempt from referrals to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration. The law maintains accountability for those deemed by courts to be voluntarily avoiding payments. Previously, suspensions hindered parents’ ability to work, creating cycles of debt. Aprille Hamilton, who walked eight miles daily to work after losing her license, testified for the bill, highlighting its impact on her ability to support her daughter.
The reforms aim to balance support for children with fairness for parents. Non-custodial parents often faced dilemmas, knowing only a portion of their payments reached their children. The pass-through ensures funds directly benefit kids, while the suspension exemption helps parents maintain employment to meet obligations. Advocates like Amee Vora from Maryland Legal Aid and Zachary Alberts from the Center for Urban Families emphasized the need for these changes to break punitive cycles.
Implementation remains a focus, with stakeholders monitoring the Child Support Administration and Department of Human Services to ensure smooth execution. The laws reflect Maryland’s commitment to equitable child support policies, prioritizing children’s well-being and parents’ financial stability. As the state prepares for these changes, families anticipate greater access to resources and opportunities.