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Asm. LaShae Sharp-Collins’s Bills Addressing Child Support Debt and Retail Theft Punishment Move Forward

July 7, 2026

California Assemblymember Dr. LaShae Sharp-Collins has advanced two bills through the state legislature aimed at helping low-income residents. Assembly Bill 2395 seeks to reform the Compromise of Arrears Program by improving access to child support debt relief for parents earning under $15,000 annually, who collectively owe $6. 4 billion to the state while facing a 10% annual interest rate.

Who is affected

  • Low-income parents owing child support debt to California (approximately 80% earning less than $15,000 per year)
  • Custodial parents and families receiving CalWORKs public assistance
  • Struggling families collectively owing $6.4 billion in past-due child support to the government
  • Defendants charged with certain theft offenses such as shoplifting and vandalism
  • County probation departments and prosecutors
  • The Retailers Association (as victims of theft crimes)

What action is being taken

  • AB 2395 is advancing through the Legislature, having passed the Senate Human Services Committee with a 4-1 vote and is currently in the Senate Appropriations Committee
  • AB 2108 is advancing through the Legislature, having passed the Senate Standing Committee on Public Safety with a 5-1 vote and has been re-referred to the Senate Committee on Appropriations

Why it matters

  • This legislation addresses a significant financial burden trapping low-income Californians in perpetual debt through high interest rates and limited access to existing relief programs. The child support debt reduction bill increases transparency and accessibility to help parents who already struggle financially (earning under $15,000 annually) escape a cycle of mounting arrears. The theft diversion bill offers rehabilitation alternatives to incarceration, potentially reducing recidivism while providing treatment options for individuals committing non-violent property crimes, with support from retail victims themselves who see it as a way to reduce theft.

What's next

  • AB 2395 must proceed through the Senate Appropriations Committee
  • AB 2108 must proceed through the Senate Committee on Appropriations

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint