State Representative Alicia St. Germaine (R-Harrison Township) has introduced new legislation aimed at addressing the issue of unpaid child support in Michigan. The state currently faces a significant backlog, with court reports from September 2025 indicating $5.6 billion in unpaid child support statewide. Of this amount, about $4.2 billion is owed in the Tri-County region.
St. Germaine described the situation as unacceptable, stating, “This level of unpaid child support is unacceptable. Child support isn’t optional. It’s a responsibility. Our plan is focused on getting money to families and children, not trapping people in a cycle that makes repayment impossible.”
The proposed legislation, House Bills 5510-5511, was introduced by St. Germaine and Representative Edwards (D-Eastpointe). The bills would allow prosecutors working with specialty courts to defer sentencing for individuals convicted of failing to pay child support for up to five years, rather than the current one-year limit. This extension aims to help individuals remain employed while making consistent payments under court supervision.
According to information from Macomb County, more than $5 million in unpaid child support has already been recovered using the existing one-year deferral policy. Supporters believe that extending the deferral period could lead to greater recovery of funds for families and reduce employment barriers that can prevent repayment.
“We’re giving specialty courts the tools to hold parents accountable without taking away their ability to work,” said St. Germaine. “When parents stay employed and make consistent payments, children win.”
