Committee advances bill allowing single garnishment fee deduction

The House Business, Labor and Commerce Committee voted to give SB 307 a favorable recommendation after Senator Wyler described the bill as a simple change to reduce administrative burden for wage garnishments.

"What this bill says, is rather than having two checks, they can just deduct the garnishment fee, which is like $35, and send me one check back minus the $35," Senator Wyler explained. Committee members asked whether third-party payroll vendors already handle garnishments; Representative Boyan noted many third-party systems can perform the deduction. Senator Wyler said the bill would not mandate the practice but would allow employers the option and likely lighten paperwork burdens for businesses.

Representative Wynne moved the favorable recommendation; Representative Sawyer said the bill "doesn't go far enough" but appreciated the cleanup. The committee adopted the favorable recommendation by voice vote.

SB 307 will move forward with a favorable committee recommendation.