By AP/St. Louis Public Radio
Jefferson City, Mo. – Thousands of parents could face new child support fees under legislation that has passed the Missouri House.
The fees could range from $10 to $350, with exemptions for lower-income parents.
They are estimated to generate nearly $2.5 million, split between the state and federal governments.
Supporters of the fees say some parents who could afford private attorneys have been getting free help from the state to modify their child support orders.
But the bill faces uncertain prospects in the Senate. Some senators equate the fees to a tax increase.
Some support a plan by Gov. Jay Nixon to privatize more duties for child support collections.