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 process of garnishment, such as the removal of the 13-week limitation in determining the garnishee's obligations and the introduction of new sections that outline the responsibilities of garnishees when multiple garnishments are in effect. For instance, it mandates that garnishees must notify creditors and the court if the amount to be garnished exceeds certain thresholds. Furthermore, the bill establishes that garnishments remain valid until the judgment is satisfied or terminated by the court, and it requires creditors to send exemption notices and other relevant information to debtors at specified intervals. 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