Assembly Bill 296 aims to amend existing laws regarding the garnishment of earnings for certain debtors 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, and 812.44. Notably, the bill introduces new provisions, including section 812.35 (7), which requires garnishees to verify the debtor's address, and sections 812.39 (2) (b) and 812.39 (2m), which establish priorities for court-ordered garnishments related to restitution and support.

Additionally, the bill mandates that creditors provide additional notices to debtors when garnishments extend beyond the initial 13-week period, ensuring that debtors are informed of ongoing garnishments. It also clarifies that court-ordered garnishments for restitution take precedence over other garnishments but do not supersede family law assignments. Overall, the bill seeks to streamline the garnishment process while enhancing debtor protections and ensuring compliance with court orders.

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