Maryland officials are proposing the first increase to recommended child support payments in 20 years.

Current child support levels were last revised in 1988. The new proposal, officials say, would bring payments more in line with today's costs.

Under the plan, the amount most noncustodial parents pay would increase, while payments for lowest-income families would slightly decrease. It would mostly affect families with new cases.

Department of Human Resources officials, who oversee the court-ordered child support collection, have tried unsuccessfully in the past to update the guidelines. But they hope state lawmakers will approve it in the upcoming legislative session.

Officials are holding forums on the issue across the state, including one Wednesday night in Charles County.