Senate Bill 300 aims to amend existing laws regarding the garnishment of earnings for debtors in Wisconsin by eliminating the current 13-week limit on such garnishments. The bill proposes to repeal sections 812.40, 812.405, and 812.42 (2) (b), while renumbering and amending section 812.39 (2) and making various amendments to sections 812.33, 812.35, 812.38, 812.39, and 812.44. Notably, the bill introduces new provisions that prioritize court-ordered garnishments for restitution in criminal matters over other garnishments, while still maintaining the priority of family law assignments. Additionally, it requires creditors to provide more frequent notices to debtors when garnishments extend beyond the initial 13-week period.

The bill also includes specific changes to the garnishment process, such as the removal of the 13-week limitation in determining the garnishee's obligations and the introduction of new sections that outline the creditor's responsibilities in notifying debtors about ongoing garnishments. For instance, creditors must serve notices to debtors at least three business days before each subsequent 13-week period and send exemption notices every 180 days until the judgment is satisfied or the garnishment is terminated. Overall, the bill seeks to streamline the garnishment process while ensuring that debtors are adequately informed of their rights and obligations.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 812.33(1), 812.33, 812.35(5), 812.35, 812.35(6), 812.38(2), 812.38, 812.39(1), 812.39, 812.40, 812.405, 812.42(2)(b), 812.42, 812.44(3), 812.44