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WashingtonHB 10142025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Implementing recommendations of the 2023 child support schedule work group.

Sponsored By: Suzanne Schmidt (Republican)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 4 mixed.

Child support table covers higher-income parents

Beginning January 1, 2026, Washington's child support table sets the usual amount through $50,000 in combined monthly net income. The earlier upper limit was $12,000. Below $2,200, support depends on each household's resources and living costs, with a $50-per-child monthly minimum unless an exception applies. Above $50,000, courts need written findings to order more than the table amount at $50,000.

More income protected for low-income parents

Beginning January 1, 2026, basic child support generally must leave paying parents a higher amount for living costs. That protected amount rises from 125% to 180% of the one-person federal poverty guideline. Below that income level, the usual minimum remains $50 per child each month, even if it cuts into protected income. A court can lower the minimum if the parent shows it is unjust. The protection excludes health care, day care, and special child-rearing costs; courts weigh children's best interests and both parents' circumstances.

Temporary child support relief during treatment

Beginning April 1, 2027, courts or administrative hearings can lower support to $50 per child monthly during court-ordered behavioral health treatment. The parent must be unable to pay because of treatment; decision-makers consider accessible income and assets available for support. Approved relief starts on the treatment order date and ends at discharge or after six months, whichever comes first. It is available only once in a parent's lifetime, and the original payment amount then returns. Covered court orders must explain this relief when state enforcement services are provided or requested on the order. That notice alone does not approve a reduction. The state reviews reported cases with relief language, and parties can request a hearing; orders without it can be modified. Modification can be requested during treatment or after discharge without showing a substantial change in circumstances. Money collected before the state receives notice of the parent's inability to pay is not refunded.

State premiums can lower parents' support

Beginning January 1, 2026, mandatory state deductions reduce the net income used to calculate child support. This includes premiums parents actually pay for Paid Family and Medical Leave and the Long-Term Services and Supports Trust. Only mandatory amounts actually paid qualify. The deduction may lower a parent's support payment and the money received by the other household.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Suzanne Schmidt

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Amy Walen

    Democratic • House

  • Jake Fey

    Democratic • House

  • Joe Timmons

    Democratic • House

  • Natasha Hill

    Democratic • House

  • Timm Ormsby

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 141 • No: 4

Senate vote • 4/16/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 48 • No: 1

House vote • 3/11/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 93 • No: 3 • Other: 2

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 7/27/2025*.

    5/13/2025House

  2. Chapter 272, 2025 Laws.

    5/13/2025House

  3. Governor signed.

    5/13/2025legislature

  4. Delivered to Governor.

    4/22/2025legislature

  5. President signed.

    4/19/2025legislature

  6. Speaker signed.

    4/18/2025legislature

  7. Third reading, passed; yeas, 48; nays, 1; absent, 0; excused, 0.

    4/16/2025House

  8. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    4/16/2025House

  9. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

    4/9/2025House

  10. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    4/2/2025House

  11. LAW - Majority; do pass.

    4/1/2025House

  12. First reading, referred to Law & Justice.

    3/13/2025House

  13. Third reading, passed; yeas, 93; nays, 3; absent, 0; excused, 2.

    3/11/2025House

  14. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    3/11/2025House

  15. Floor amendment(s) adopted.

    3/11/2025House

  16. Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.

    3/4/2025House

  17. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    1/23/2025House

  18. Minority; without recommendation.

    1/22/2025House

  19. CRJ - Majority; do pass.

    1/22/2025House

  20. CRJ - Executive action taken by committee.

    1/22/2025House

  21. First reading, referred to Civil Rights & Judiciary.

    1/13/2025House

  22. Introduced

    1/13/2025House

Bill Text

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