SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin advanced legislation that would help stop parents who do not have primary custody of their child from skipping on child support payments.

"This is an important initiative to ensure that parents who refuse to pay their child support can be tracked and held accountable," said Halpin (D-Rock Island). "This is a step in the right direction to ensure that children receive the support they need and deserve."

House Bill 3301 would include independent contractors in the definition of "employee" so that anyone who reports income on 1099 forms as an independent contractor would be reported to the National Directory of New Hires registry. The registry was established in 1996 to help track parents who are delinquent on child support payments across state lines.

Under current law, parents can avoid the state database by not self-reporting income because they don’t receive a W-2. Under House Bill 3301, the parent’s 1099 would be reported to the database so the state will know approximately how much income was earned and can enter a court order to pay.

House Bill 3301 makes this change to recognize the need to prevent parents who do not have custody of the child and who are avoiding their child support payments from skirting reporting requirements by filing a 1099 instead of a W-2.

House Bill 3301 passed the Senate Labor Committee on Wednesday and awaits consideration before the full Senate.