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MarylandSB 00162026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Child Support - Earnings Withholdings Limits

Sponsored By: Charles E. Sydnor (Democratic)

Became Law

Family LawAppeals -see also- Judicial ReviewAttachments and GarnishmentsHearingsLow-IncomeModerate-IncomeNoticesPovertySalaries and Compensation -see also- Overtime; Reimb. RatesSupport of Dependents -see also- AlimonyWork, Labor, and Employment -see also- JobTrn; Leave; etc.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Child support wage cap for low earners

Beginning October 1, 2028, if your yearly income is at or below 250% of the federal poverty guideline for one person, no more than 35% of your disposable pay can be withheld for child support. The cap does not apply if a court found you voluntarily impoverished in your most recent order. This works alongside the federal wage withholding limits.

Faster child support payroll deadlines

Beginning October 1, 2028, when an employer gets a child support withholding order or notice, they must start deductions in the next pay period. The employer must send the net amount to the State Disbursement Unit within 7 days after payday, not counting weekends or legal holidays.

Stronger rights to contest withholdings

Beginning October 1, 2028, you can contest a child support withholding only for certain mistakes of fact. You may claim the wrong person, no order for the child’s health coverage, the amount exceeds federal or Maryland limits, or the child is emancipated. Send a written request to the Child Support Administration within 15 days of the notice. The agency must investigate in 15 days and send written results and your appeal rights. You have 15 days to appeal to the Office of Administrative Hearings. A child’s enrollment stays in place unless the case is decided in your favor.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Charles E. Sydnor

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 224 • No: 2

House vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 135 • No: 0 • Other: 5

Senate vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 45 • No: 1 • Other: 1

Senate vote • 3/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 44 • No: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Enacted under Article II, Section 17(c) of the Maryland Constitution - Chapter 868

    5/31/2026

  2. Passed Enrolled

    4/13/2026Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (45-1)

    4/13/2026Senate

  4. Senate Concurs House Amendments

    4/13/2026Senate

  5. Third Reading Passed (135-0)

    4/13/2026House

  6. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/11/2026House

  7. Favorable with Amendments {143326/1 Adopted

    4/11/2026House

  8. Favorable with Amendments Report by Judiciary

    4/11/2026House

  9. Hearing 4/02 at 2:00 p.m.

    4/2/2026House

  10. Hearing canceled

    4/2/2026House

  11. Hearing 4/02 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/26/2026House

  12. Referred Judiciary

    3/17/2026House

  13. Third Reading Passed (44-1)

    3/13/2026Senate

  14. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/11/2026Senate

  15. Favorable with Amendments {903820/1 Adopted

    3/11/2026Senate

  16. Motion Special Order until 3/11 (Senator Smith) Adopted

    3/10/2026Senate

  17. Favorable with Amendments {903820/1

    3/10/2026Senate

  18. Motion Special Order until Later Today (Senator Smith) Adopted

    3/10/2026Senate

  19. Favorable with Amendments {903820/1

    3/10/2026Senate

  20. Favorable with Amendments Report by Judicial Proceedings

    3/9/2026Senate

  21. First Reading Judicial Proceedings

    1/14/2026Senate

  22. Hearing 1/29 at 3:00 p.m.

    1/13/2026Senate

  23. Pre-filed

    10/31/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/31/2026

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    4/13/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/11/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/14/2026

    PDF

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