Should Child Support Enforcement Agencies Be Able to Request Credit Reports on Consumers? (H.R. 2091)

What is H.R. 2091?

(Updated June 20, 2019)

This bill would expand the permissible use of consumer credit reports to allow reporting agencies to furnish a report to state or local child support enforcement agencies that request them. Current law allows enforcement agencies to request, and reporting agencies to provide notice to the person whose credit is being investigated.

Child support enforcement agencies would only be able to use this authority if they certify that they are enforcing a child support order, award, agreement, or judgment.

It would also repeal the requirement for 10 days prior notice to a consumer who report is requested, which is what state agencies are required to do under current law.

Argument in favor

Child support enforcement agencies should be able to access credit reports on those who need to provide child support payments to parents and children who require them to support themselves.

Argument opposed

There’s no need for this change in law, as child support enforcement agencies and credit agencies can already pull reports for these purposes. The requirement to notify the subject of the credit report request should stay in place.

Impact

People who owe, receive or rely upon child support payments; state child support enforcement agencies, and consumer credit reporting agencies.

Cost of H.R. 2091

The CBO estimates that this bill would increase direct spending for agencies requesting reports, but that those increases would be insignificant.

Additional Info

In-Depth: Sponsoring Rep. Bruce Poliquin believes that there should be bipartisan support around ensuring those who are owed child support receive the financial help they deserve:

“Being a parent is one of the greatest and most important responsibilities as an adult. It’s imperative for Congress, Republicans and Democrats, to work together and ensure that our kids have all the possible opportunities to succeed and have a bright future. The Child Support Assistance Act will help our state and local authorities in assisting families to collect child support payments from delinquent parents.”

The House Financial Services Committee passed this bill by a margin of 58-2, was introduced on a bipartisan basis by Rep. Poliquin and Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN), and has four other cosponsors equally divided between Democrats and Republicans.

Media:

• Sponsoring Rep. Bruce Poliquin (R-ME) Press Release
• CBO Cost Estimate
• Central Maine
• PR Newswire