BEFORE THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES OF THE

STATE OF MONTANA

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TO: All Interested Persons

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1. On November 22, 2006, the Department of Public Health and Human Services published MAR Notice No. 37-396 pertaining to the public hearing on the proposed adoption of the above-stated rule, at page 2898 of the 2006 Montana Administrative Register, issue number 22.

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2. The department has adopted New Rule I (37.62.1122) as proposed.

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3. The department has thoroughly considered all commentary received. The comments received and the department's response to each follow:

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COMMENT #1: If a case is found to be unenforceable will a parent be able to collect past debt without the department's agreement to re-open the case file?

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RESPONSE: Yes. If the child support is owed to the custodial party, they may attempt to collect child support arrears on their own without having to receive the department's permission or agreement. However, a party's responsibility to notify the department under 40-5-202(5), MCA remains. Additionally, if circumstances or facts change, a party can apply to have their case re-opened.

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��������������������� /s/ Russell Cater���������������������������������������������/s/ Joan Miles

��������������������� Rule Reviewer����������������������������������������������� Director, Public Health and

���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Human Services

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Certified to the Secretary of State January 16, 2007.