STATEHOUSE (April 17, 2019) — A bipartisan bill sponsored by State Sen. Justin Busch (R-Fort Wayne) that would help ensure parents or guardians receive child support benefits while their student is in high school recently passed the Senate unanimously.
House Bill 1520 would allow child support to continue for those enrolled in high school at or above age 19 until they complete their secondary education if their parent or guardian files a notice advising the court.
The freshman senator from Fort Wayne sponsored the legislation in the Senate, which originated in the House of Representatives and was authored by House Democratic Leader Rep. Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne).
“HB 1520 is designed to prevent high school students over 19 from falling into the difficult position of having to choose between finishing high school and getting a job to support themselves, since current law prevents them from receiving child support,” GiaQuinta said. “I would like to thank Sen. Busch for his efforts to ensure this bill becomes law.”
Busch echoed the importance of the legislation.
“I was happy to work with my friend, Rep. GiaQuinta, on this bipartisan and common-sense solution that we believe will ensure students have sufficient resources at home while they finish their high school education,” Busch said. “Noncustodial parents were required to provide child support until their dependent turned 21 years old, before the law was changed to 19 in 2012, so this isn’t a huge jump. It would simply make sure the parents or guardians with dependents who fall under these circumstances continue to receive child support benefits.”
HB 1520 will now return to the Indiana House of Representatives for further consideration.
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For a high-resolution photo of Busch, click here.
