Child Support Improvement Amendment Act of 2026

The Child Support Improvement Amendment Act of 2026 would require the District of Columbia to direct all child support payments collected on behalf of families receiving or who previously received Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) directly to those families, rather than retaining a portion for government costs. It also changes the timeline for collecting unpaid child support, ending enforcement when the youngest child on the order turns 18 plus a fixed post-emancipation period, instead of allowing indefinite collection. These changes ensure families receive the full amount of child support owed, which research shows improves household stability and child well-being. The bill modernizes the system to align with federal options and prioritize support for vulnerable children and parents.