Jansens bill to help streamline FOC signed into law
LANSING — A bill designed to update procedures and improve efficiencies of the Friend of the Court was recently signed into law, said sponsor Sen. Mark C. Jansen, R-Gaines Township.
“By streamlining operations of the Friend of the Court, ultimately we can help children,” said Jansen, chair of the Senate Families and Human Services Committee. “I’m glad my bill was signed into law and I look forward to the other important measures in the package taking effect.”
Public Act 193 of 2009 (Senate Bill 100):
• Allows the court to order a jail alternative program for non-payment of child support. Alternative examples include participation in a parenting program, drug or alcohol counseling, continuing compliance with a current support or parenting time order, or complying with a payment plan;
• Eliminates the automatic application of surcharge assessments on child support arrearages;
• Streamlines the license suspension process if past due child support is owed; and
• Permits law enforcement agencies to “boot” vehicles of individuals behind on child support.
Jansen and his colleagues in the Senate and House of Representatives have worked closely on Senate Bills 99, 100 and 105 through 107, and House Bills 5501 through 5504 with the Michigan Department of Human Services, the FOC Association, the State Court Administrative Office and Michigan Supreme Court Justice Maura Corrigan.
In October 2006, a comprehensive report with recommendations for improving efficiency and client services was submitted to the governor, the Michigan Supreme Court chief justice and legislative leadership.
Posted: Friday, January 01, 2010
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