The bill amends existing Washington state laws regarding garnishment forms, specifically RCW 6.27.340 and RCW 6.27.350. It mandates that the first answer provided by an employer garnishee must be completed using a form developed by the Washington pattern forms committee or a substantially equivalent form. This answer must include detailed information about the defendant's employment status, earnings, and any preexisting garnishments. Additionally, the bill specifies that if the plaintiff fails to comply with the requirements, the employer may treat the garnishment as one that does not create a continuing lien.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies the process for the garnishee's response to the garnishment for a continuing lien. It establishes that the lien on the defendant's earnings will continue until the total amount subject to the lien equals the amount stated on the writ or until the expiration of the employer's payroll period, whichever comes first. The bill also introduces a requirement for the plaintiff to send a second answer form to the garnishee at the expected termination of the lien, and it sets a 20-day deadline for the garnishee to file this second answer, ensuring that the process is streamlined and clearly defined.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 6.27.340, 6.27.350