Plans made for new child-support laws

Friday, Jan. 17, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- A task force is being formed by Attorney General Frankie Sue Del Papa to get ready for a federal law that puts additional penalties on parents who don't pay child support.

As part of the Welfare Reform Act, states are required to restrict, suspend or deny professional or occupational licenses of those who are behind in their support payments. It becomes effective Oct. 1.

Del Papa said she is "appointing this task force to assure that the needs of children whose parents owe support are met while at the same time addressing the due process rights of people who hold professional licenses."

Efforts by the state and the counties of Clark and Washoe resulted in nearly $63 million being collected from delinquent parents in 1996. Clark County picked up $46.8 million for 39,000 cases.

Elana Hatch, chief deputy district attorney in family support for Clark County, said, "Our collections in 1996 were excellent and our driver's license suspension program is a fine new tool.

"However, we still have some nonpayers so we are looking forward to new legislation regarding professional license restriction, suspension or denial to assist us with some of these cases."

The new task force will work with state agencies, the Nevada District Attorneys Association and the public in developing a regulation that could be adopted by every agency with professional and occupational licensing authority.