The bill modifies the rules for when and how child support payments can be redirected to someone other than the parent who normally receives them (the obligee), such as a caregiver. Key points include:

1. Notification Requirement: The public authority must notify the parent who pays (obligor), the parent who receives (obligee), and the caregiver through written notice about the redirection of support payments. This notice will include details such as the children's names, to whom the support is redirected, the amount, and when it starts.

2. Proportional Redistribution: If not all children reside with the caregiver, only a proportional share of the child support for those living with the caregiver will be redirected.

3. Grounds for Contesting Redirection: The redirection can be contested on limited grounds:

   • The children do not or no longer live with the caregiver.
   • The support is needed by the obligee to maintain a home as part of a reunification plan.
   • Redirection is not in the best interests of the child.

4. Right to a Hearing: The parent paying or receiving support can request a hearing to contest the redirection within 30 days of receiving the notice. The hearing will be scheduled promptly, typically within 30 days of the request.

5. Effect of Contesting: If the redirection is contested, support will not be redirected until after the hearing and decision. If uncontested, redirection starts the first day of the month after the contest period ends.

6. Termination of Redirection: Redirection will end, and payments will revert back to the obligee if:

   • The caregiver no longer receives public assistance for the child.
   • The agreement placing the child with the caregiver ends.
   • It's determined that redirecting is not in the child’s best interests.

Notifications about termination of redirection will be sent to all parties involved, and it becomes effective the first day of the month at least 14 days after the notice.

This bill aims to clarify and streamline the process of redirecting child support payments while providing safeguards to ensure these decisions support the child's best interests.