What's happening
This bill requires certain independent contractors with contracts over $2,500 to be included in the state directory of new hires to help enforce child support.
Why it matters
Expands child support enforcement. By adding independent contractors with contracts over $2,500 to the state’s new hire directory, the bill closes a loophole that previously allowed some non-traditional workers to avoid wage garnishment or tracking for child support purposes.
Reflects changes in the workforce. As more people work as independent contractors or “gig workers,” the bill updates child support systems to keep pace with modern employment patterns, making child support enforcement more effective for children whose parents work outside traditional jobs.
Increases employer reporting requirements. Businesses that hire independent contractors for work exceeding $2,500 will now have to report these individuals to the state, meaning more administrative work for companies but potentially greater compliance with child support laws.
Targets high-value contracts. The $2,500 threshold means the law is aimed at significant or ongoing contractor relationships, not small or one-off jobs, balancing enforcement needs with the burden on businesses.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Add Contractors to Child Support List
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
1 Co-sponsor
History
- Referred to investigations and government operations
- Referred to investigations and government operations
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Add Contractors to New Hires List
In Senate Committee · Investigations And Government Operations · Sponsor Kevin Cahill
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
2140
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
January 12, 2017
Introduced by Sen. ALCANTARA -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Investigations and Government Operations
AN ACT to amend the tax law, in relation to including certain independent contractors in the state directory of new hires to aid in the administration of the child support enforcement program
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Paragraph (a) of subdivision 2 of section 171-h of the tax law, as added by chapter 398 of the laws of 1997, is amended to read as follows:
(a) "employee" means an individual who is an employee within the meaning of chapter twenty-four of the internal revenue code of 1986, including an individual under an independent contractor arrangement with contracts in excess of twenty-five hundred dollars, and does not include an employee of a federal or state agency performing intelligence or counterintelligence functions if the head of such agency has determined that a report made pursuant to this section with respect to the individual could endanger the safety of the employee or compromise an ongoing investigation or intelligence mission.
§ 2. This act shall take effect on the first of January next succeeding the date on which it shall have become a law.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD01423-01-7
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the tax law, in relation to including certain independent contractors in the state directory of new hires to aid in the administration of the child support enforcement program
Purpose or general idea of bill
This bill addresses the persistent problem of tracking persons whose child support payments are delinquent. It includes independent contractors with contracts in excess of $2,500 in the state directory of new hires to aid in the administration of the child support enforcement program.
Summary of specific provisions
Paragraph (a) of subdivision 2 of section 171-h of the tax law (as added by chapter 398 of the laws of 1997) is amended to provide the above addition.
Effects of present law which this bill would alter
Existing law does not include independent contractors with contracts in excess of $2,500 in the state directory of new hires.
Justification
Self-employed payers are among the most difficult to collect child support payments from. Businesses, although not required, are encouraged to report all independent contractors regardless of contract amount. This legislation provides a much needed requirement to aid in the tracking of these delinquent payers who negligently and purposefully deny their children due support.
Prior legislative history
2016: Referred to investigations and government operations, 2011-2012 A.192 Passed Assembly 2009-2010 A.1190 Passed Assembly 2007-2008 A.7722 Referred to Ways and Means 2005-2006 A.5739 Referred to Ways and Means 2003-2004 A.336 Passed Assembly 2001-2002 Passed Assembly 1999-2000 Passed Assembly
Fiscal implications
Minor administrative costs. Costs associated with implementing similar legislation in other states has shown that the requirement has not significantly impacted operating costs or worker caseloads.
Effective date
This act shall take effect on the first day of January succeeding the date on which it shall have become law.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.