Committee approves housekeeping changes to child‑support process in HB 1045

Representative Brent Stevens told the committee HB 1045 implements several commission recommendations to streamline referee procedures and clarify calculation rules. “It’s more of a housekeeping type of thing,” Stevens said, pointing to changes such as presumptions about work hours, imputation of income if records are missing, and a higher paternity-test threshold that lets referees act without a court order.

Matt Oltoff of the Department of Social Services described the bill as operationally helpful and noted that some house amendments retained prior look‑back rules for past support. He told members the bill focuses on practical, procedural adjustments that will help referees and litigants alike.

Committee members had brief clarifying questions about specific sections, including a provision addressing individuals released from incarceration and how the obligation would be set at minimum wage upon release. The committee voted to recommend HB 1045 and placed it on the consent calendar.