close
close

Legislation on advance payments for collecting child support in the Senate

Legislation on advance payments for collecting child support in the Senate

TRENTON, NJ – The Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee has approved legislation aimed at eliminating existing procedures for collecting child support from legally responsible persons for children under the custody of the Division of Child Protection and Permanency. The bill, introduced by Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz and Senator Joseph Vitale, aims to address inefficiencies in the current system.

Majority Leader Ruiz emphasized that current efforts to collect child support are often counterproductive. She noted that the financial burden placed on parents could create barriers to family reunification, which could be detrimental when such outcomes are in the best interests of the child. According to Ruiz, the current system results in the state spending more on reimbursement efforts than it actually takes in.

Under the proposed Equitable Outcomes in Child Support Collection Act, or bill S-2331, all outstanding child support obligations, related warrants, unsatisfied civil judgments, and liens seeking reimbursement from the Department of Child Protection and Permanency would be eliminated. The law aims to eliminate existing reimbursement procedures to improve efficiency and focus on family reunification.

  • Newark Police are asking for assistance in identifying robbery and assault suspects

    Newark, NJ – The Newark Public Safety Department is asking for the community’s assistance in identifying a suspect involved in a September 24 robbery and assault case. Public Security Director Fritz G. Fragé released surveillance images of the suspect to aid in the investigation.

    The incident began with an argument over alleged vehicle damage near the 400 block of Clinton Avenue. At approximately 4:50 p.m., a man exited his vehicle at Clinton Avenue and Bergen Street and confronted the victim about alleged damage to his car. The victim checked the vehicle for damage but found none and was subsequently attacked by the man and a passenger, who punched and kicked him.

    While the victim was lying on the ground, the passenger tried to steal his wallet but was unsuccessful. After the altercation, the attackers fled east on Clinton Avenue in their vehicle. Authorities believe the suspect passenger can often be seen near Clinton Avenue, particularly from Chadwick Avenue to Seymour Avenue and near the intersection of Clinton Avenue and Farley Avenue.

  • Dutchess County Drug Task Force arrests suspected dealer

    Poughkeepsie, NY – The Dutchess County District Attorney’s Drug Task Force has increased its efforts to investigate drug dealers and dangerous drug dealers in Poughkeepsie. Officers recently conducted several raids on Main Street that led to crucial findings about drug sales occurring behind buildings between 453 and 458 Main Street.

    The investigation led to the identification of 25-year-old Leonardo De La Cruz as the main suspect. According to officials, the Drug Task Force was able to purchase narcotics from De La Cruz at that location. On Saturday, they arrested De La Cruz in the same area. Upon his arrest, he was found to be in possession of a significant amount of fentanyl and crack cocaine, both packaged for sale.

    The Drug Task Force said fentanyl and cocaine have caused the majority of overdoses in Dutchess County, including the recent cases on Main Street. Following his arrest, De La Cruz was charged with Level 3 Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Sell, classified as a Class B felony, and Level 5, a Class D felony.

  • The Buncombe County Courthouse reopens after Hurricane Helene

    Asheville, North Carolina – The Buncombe County Courthouse has reopened and returned to normal operating hours following disruptions caused by Hurricane Helene. The announcement marks the resumption of activities following court closures necessitated by the storm’s impacts.

    Both district and higher courts are also active in connection with the reopening. However, officials have indicated that several cases are likely to be postponed. Those with scheduled court dates are encouraged to contact the prosecutor’s office. For more information regarding specific case details, please call (828) 259-3400.

    Despite the physical reopening of the courthouse, the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office is encouraging individuals to avoid in-person visits when possible. The goal of this recommendation is to reduce traffic within the courthouse and increase security. Alternatives to in-person attendance include the use of the electronic filing system, available in the eCourts section of the NCCourts.gov website, which provides a convenient method for handling court-related matters remotely.

    For further updates or to learn more about the courthouse reopening, a video was shared on social media. This message underscores the judicial authorities’ commitment to continuing to provide essential services while adapting to the circumstances resulting from Hurricane Helene.

Related Post