Tulsa Standard

Over the weekend, H.R. 9076 was signed into law, encompassing Representative Kevin Hern's priorities on child support enforcement and tribal child welfare within a broader legislative package.

"This law protects child support for 13 million families, levels the playing field for Tribes, and saves taxpayers $777 million," said Rep. Hern. "It's a win for families who depend on this program, and I'm proud to see it signed into law."

The bill eases the regulatory burden on states by allowing them to continue using contractors for the Child Support Enforcement program, avoiding disruptions that could impact 13 million families. Furthermore, H.R. 9076 incorporates the Tribal Child Welfare Support Act. This act updates funding structures by offering direct Title IV-B child welfare funding to Indian tribes without reducing state funds. Presently, child welfare funding under Title IV-B of the Social Security Act is divided into two allocations, one of which is funneled through states rather than directly to tribal grantees.