State child support agencies crack down hard on people who fall behind on their child support payments, and will not hesitate to take whatever measures are necessary to recover past-due support. Garnishing wages, revoking driving privileges, and withholding tax returns are just some of the steps being states are taking to collect the support that is legally owed, and California is no exception. But what happens when the state makes a mistake and comes after the wrong person? Who can you turn to for help? While you may think it’s as easy as calling up child support services, sometimes it takes a lot more time and effort before a mix-up can get resolved. A Florida man found himself in a similar situation, and had to basically jump through hoops before he could get his mix-up resolved.

National Guardsman Rusty Cole, 22, had his tax return withheld because the state of Florida said he failed to make child support payments for a child born in 1995. At 22 years old, Cole would only have been 7 at the time the child was born, and possibly 6 years old when the child was conceived. Cole made numerous attempts to resolve the issue, putting in phone calls to multiple agencies and appearing in person. It wasn’t until he wrote an e-mail to Governor Crist that he was able to get any kind of relief. Shortly after sending the e-mail, Cole received an apology from the department of revenue, and was told his tax return would be mailed to him shortly. Even after receiving this apology, Cole is adamant in making sure this mistake never happens again.

Members of an Indiana house panel approved a measure that requires casinos in all areas of the state to check a database of people who owe back child support before cashing out a patron’s winnings. If a patron wins money at the casino and their name comes up in the database, the casino must refuse to pay out the winnings.

The Public Policy Committee approved the measure 10-0, however, several committee members expressed concern that the state was brushing off its responsibilities and mixing up its priorities.

One lawmaker said that although she likes that the bill favors single working parents, she fears the government is essentially passing off its responsibility to collect child support to private casinos.

Several amendments were made to the original bill, including one amendment that rewards the casinos for their efforts. After the Indiana Casino Association complained the bill would create headaches for the payout desk, lawmakers amended the bill to increase the amount casinos can charge for the processing fee. Instead of a flat $15 fee the casinos can charge 3% of the total child support owed or $100, whichever is less.

The bill now moves to the full house for a vote.