ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - A bill modifying a law that allows Maryland prisoners to ask the court to suspend their child support payments is scheduled for a final vote in the state Senate.

Continue reading

Lawmakers are scheduled to vote on the bill Wednesday. The bill has already passed the House of Delegates.

Prisoners can already apply for a waiver because they have no income while in jail, but the bill would allow child support payments to be adjusted without any action from the prisoner.

Opponents say it is unfair that criminals are still held to other debts like mortgages but allowed to walk away from child support payments while in jail.

Others say that mounting debt of missed payments while incarcerated make it less likely someone will return to paying regularly once he is released.