Assembly Bill 296 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, including section 812.35 (7), which requires garnishees to verify the debtor's address, and section 812.395, which establishes that garnishments remain effective until the judgment is satisfied or terminated by the court.

Additionally, the bill prioritizes court-ordered garnishments for restitution in criminal matters over other earnings garnishments, while still maintaining that family law assignments take precedence. It also mandates that creditors provide additional notices to debtors when garnishments extend beyond the initial 13-week period. The amendments include changes to the fees associated with garnishments and the process for notifying debtors, ensuring that they are informed of their rights and obligations throughout the garnishment process.

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