Administrative Rule Review Report  #AR12-001

Legislative Service Office

09-Jan-12

AGENCY: Department of Family Services

DATE SUBMITTED: 1/4/2012

SUBJECT: Chapter 2, Definitions; Chapter 4, General Services; Chapter 5, Program Administration; Chapter 7, Federal Offset Program; Chapter 12, State Registries

NATURE OF RULES:                   Legislative and procedural.       

STATUTORY AUTHORITY:        W.S. 20-6-106(n).

DETERMINATION OF PROCEDURAL COMPLIANCE BASED UPON INFORMATION

SUBMITTED BY THE AGENCY TO LSO:             Apparently complete to date.

SUMMARY OF RULES:  These amendments to existing child support enforcement rules are to align the program with revised federal regulations regarding confidentiality/disclosure of information and intergovernmental (interstate) enforcement proceedings.  The changes:

· Prohibit the disclosure of confidential information to private child support agencies;

· Allow release of information to child welfare agencies for purposes of child placement;

· Allow disclosure of child support payment records to the SNAP (food stamp) program;

· Add new definitions;

· Clarify that interstate support and paternity provisions shall also apply to referrals between the state, tribes, federal government and foreign countries;

· Identify the services to be provided by the Child Support Enforcement Division in cases of intergovermental referrals.

FINDINGS:  The rules appear to be within the scope of statutory authority and legislative intent.

STAFF RECOMMENDATION:  That the rules be placed on the Consent List and be approved by the Council as submitted by the Agency.

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Gerald W. Laska

Staff Attorney

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David K. Gruver

Asssitant Director