SB 300 — Relating to: eliminating the 13-week limit on the garnishment of earnings of certain debtors.

(1)signed mayunder bes. made at any time during the pendency of the earnings garnishment.

Within767.75 5is businessless daysthan after25 apercent of the 812.38 (2) A motion or petition is filed under sub.

(1),(1) themay courtdebtor’s shalldisposable scheduleearnings, thedo matterall forof athe hearingfollowing: to be held as promptly as practicable.

Thebe courtmade shallat notifyany thetime partiesduring of the timependency - 2026 Legislature - 4 - LRB-3019/1 KRP:cdc SENATE BILL 300 SECTION 5 and place of the hearing.earnings 1.

UponDetermine conclusion of the hearing,difference thebetween court25 shallpercent make findings of factgarnishment. and conclusions of law.

TheWithin court5 shallbusiness makedays suchafter ordera asmotion requiredor bythe thesedebtor’s findingsdisposable income and conclusions.the sum of the petition is filed under sub.

If(1), the ordercourt permits the garnishment to proceed, the date on which the order is served upon the garnishee shall substituteschedule forfollowing: the original date of service of the garnishment upon the garnishee under s.

812.35the (3)matter for thea purposehearing ofto determiningbe anyheld 13-weekas periodpromptly underas s.practi- a.

812.35 (5) or (6).

A court order shall bind the garnishee from the time the order is served upon him or her the garnishee.

S ECTION 6.

812.39 (1) of the statutes is amended to read:

812.39 (1) Between 5 and 10 business days after the payday of each pay period in which the debtor’s earnings are subject to the earnings garnishment, the garnishee shall, subject to the exemption under s.

812.34 (2) and except as provided in subs.

(2) and (2m), pay the creditor that portion of the debtor’s nonexempt disposable earnings to which the creditor is entitled.

S ECTION 7.

812.39 (2) of the statutes is renumbered 812.39 (2) (a) and amended to read:

812.39 (2) (a) Court-ordered assignments of the debtor’s earnings for support or maintenance under ch.

767, regardless of the date the garnishee first receives notice of the assignment, take priority over an earnings garnishment under this subchapter.

If and take priority over a garnishment to satisfy an order for restitution under s.

973.20 (1r).

Except as provided in par.

(b), if the debtor’s earnings are subject to assignment under s.

767.75, the creditor, including a creditor entitled to an earnings garnishment to satisfy an order for restitution under s.

973.20 (1r), shall not be entitled to an amount greater than 25 percent of - 2026 Legislature - 5 - LRB-3019/1 KRP:cdc SENATE BILL 300 SECTION 7 the debtor’s disposable earnings less the amount assigned under s.

767.75.

If the garnishee determines that the amount to be garnisheed pursuant to an order under s.

767.75 is equal to or greater than 25 percent of the debtor’s disposable earnings, the garnishee shall notify the creditor and the court under s.

812.35 (5) within 7 business days after making that determination.

S ECTION 8.

812.39 (2) (b) of the statutes is created to read:

812.39 (2) (b) If an earnings garnishment is in effect for a debtor whose earnings are subject to assignment under s.

767.75, the garnishee shall, if the amount assigned under s.

767.75 is less than 25 percent of the debtor’s disposable earnings, do all of the following:

1.

Determine the difference between 25 percent of the debtor’s disposable income and the sum of the following:

a.

b.cable.

The amount,court ifshall any,notify tothe beparties garnisheedof tothe satisfytime anand orderb. for restitution under s.

The amount, if any, to be garnisheed to satisfy an place of the hearing.

Upon conclusion of the hearing, order for restitution under s.

the court shall make findings of fact and conclusions of 2.

is less thanlaw. 25 percent of the debtor’s disposable income, pay the difference under subd.

The court shall make such order as required by than 25 percent of the debtor’s disposable income, pay these findings and conclusions.

If the order permits the the difference under subd.

garnishment to proceed, the date on which the order is 3.

is 25 served upon the garnishee shall substitute for the origi- percent or more of the debtor’s disposable income, notifyno- nal date of service of the garnishment upon the gar- tify the creditor and the court under s.

812.35 (5) within 7nishee businessunder dayss. after making that determination.

S812.35 ECTION(3) 9.for the purpose of determin- 7 business days after making that determination.

812.39ing (2m)any of13-week theperiod statutesunder iss. created to read:

812.39812.35 (2m)(5) (a)or Court-ordered(6). garnishment of the debtor’s earnings to satisfy an order for restitution under s.

973.20A (1r), regardless of the date the garnishee - 2026 Legislature - 6 - LRB-3019/1 KRP:cdc SENATE BILL 300 SECTION 99. first receives notice of the court-ordered garnishment, takes priority over an earnings garnishment under this subchapter.

812.39 (2m) of the statutes is created to court order shall bind the garnishee from the time the or- read:

der is served upon him or her the garnishee.

812.39 (2m) (a) Court-ordered garnishment of the SECTION 6.

812.39 (1) of the statutes is amended to debtor’s earnings to satisfy an order for restitution under read:

s.

973.20 (1r), regardless of the date the garnishee first 812.39 (1) Between 5 and 10 business days after the receives notice of the court-ordered garnishment, takes payday of each pay period in which the debtor’s earn- priority over an earnings garnishment under this sub- ings are subject to the earnings garnishment, the gar- chapter.

(2), and except as provided in pars.nishee shall, subject to the exemption under s.

(b)812.34 andpars. (c), if the debtor’s earnings are subject to garnishment under s.

973.20(b) (1r),and the(c), creditorif shall not be entitled to an amount greater than 20 percent of the debtor’s disposable earnings lessare thesubject amount to be(2) garnisheedand pursuantexcept toas courtprovided orderin undersubs. s.

(2) and (2m), pay the garnishment under s.

973.20 (1r), the creditor shall not creditor that portion of the debtor’s nonexempt dispos- be entitled to an amount greater than 20 percent of the able earnings to which the creditor is entitled.

debtor’s disposable earnings less the amount to be gar- SECTION 7.

812.39 (2) of the statutes is renumbered nisheed pursuant to court order under s.

(b)812.39 If(2) an(a) earningsand garnishmentamended isto inread: effect for a debtor who owes restitution under s.

973.20(b) (1r),If an earnings garnishment is in effect for a 812.39 (2) (a) Court-ordered assignments of the garnisheedebtor shall,who subjectowes torestitution sub.under s.

(2)973.20 and(1r), exceptthe asdebtor’s providedearnings infor par.support or maintenance under ch.

garnishee shall, subject to sub.

(2) and except as pro- 767, regardless of the date the garnishee first receives vided in par.

notice of the assignment, take priority over an earnings 1.

Determine the difference between 20 percent of thegarnishment debtor’s disposable income and the amount to be garnisheed to satisfy an order for restitution under s.this subchapter.

If and take priority the debtor’s disposable income and the amount to be over a garnishment to satisfy an order for restitution un- garnisheed to satisfy an order for restitution under s.

der s.

Except as provided in par.

(b), if the 973.20 (1r).

debtor’s earnings are subject to assignment under s.

Pay the creditor the amount determined under 767.75, the creditor, including a creditor entitled to an subd.

earnings garnishment to satisfy an order for restitution (c) If the garnishee determines that the amount to be garnisheed pursuant to court order under s.

973.20 (1r)(1r), isshall equalnot tobe orentitled greaterto thanan 20amount percentgarnisheed ofpursuant theto debtor’s disposable earnings, the garnishee shall notify the creditor and the court order under s.

812.35973.20 (5)(1r) withingreater 7than business25 dayspercent afterof makingthe thatdebtor’s determination.disposable earn- is equal to or greater than 20 percent of the debtor’s dis- ings less the amount assigned under s.

S767.75. ECTION 10.

812.395If ofthe posable earnings, the statutesgarnishee isshall creatednotify the creditor garnishee determines that the amount to read:be garnisheed and the court under s.

812.395812.35 Garnishment(5) ofwithin earnings7 remainsbusiness indays effect;pursuant to an order under s.

767.75 is equal to or after making that determination.

Senate Bill 300 - 3 - 2025 Wisconsin Act SECTION 10.

812.395 of the statutes is created to A.

Unpaid balance on judgment read:

$....

812.395 Garnishment of earnings remains in ef- B.

Unpaid postjudgment interest fect;

(1) A garnishment of earnings payable$.... to a debtor, including a debtor who owes victim restitution ordered under s.

973.20payable (1r),to remainsa validdebtor, andincluding effectivea untildebtor thewho judgmentowes isvictim satisfied,C. unless sooner terminated by order of the court.

(2)Costs For a garnishment of earningsthis that extends beyond a 13-week period, - 2026 Legislature - 7 - LRB-3019/1 KRP:cdc SENATE BILL 300 S ECTION 10 following the first 13-week period the creditor shall, at least 3 business days before the payday of the first pay period of each subsequent 13-week period during the effective period of a garnishment and until the judgment is satisfied or the garnishment is terminated by order of the court, serve the earnings garnishment formrestitution issuedordered by the clerk of courts under s.

812.35973.20 (2)(1r), uponremains thevalid debtor(estimated) byand oneeffective ofuntil the followingjudgment means:is satisfied, unless $....

(a)sooner Firstterminated classby mail.order of the court.

(b)TOTAL Certified(3) mail,No returnlater receiptthan requested.the payday of the first pay period in $....

(c)which Anythe meansdebtor’s permissibleearnings forare subject to an earnings The creditor believes that you will owe the servicedebtor offor agarnishment, summonsand inevery a13 civilweeks action,thereafter otheruntil thanthe publication.earnings within the next 13 weeks.

(3) No later than 180 days after anthe earningsdate garnishmenton proceeding is commenced, and every 180 days thereafter until the judgment is satisfied, the garnishment is terminated by orderwhich ofyou thereceive court,this orform. 5 years has elapsed since the garnishment takes effect, whichever occurs first, the creditor shall send to the debtor by first class mail to the debtor’s last known address all of the following:

(a)The Anaddress exemptionlast noticeknown thatto isorder substantiallyof inthe court, or 5 years has elapsed since the formgar- the creditor of the noticedebtor underis s.as follows:

812.44nishment (4)takes buteffect, thatwhichever omitsoccurs thefirst, information regarding the totalcredi- amountAddress: of the creditor’s claim.

....

tor shall send to the debtor by first class mail to the If that information is not consistent with your debtor’s last known address all of the following:

records, notify the creditor in writing of the current ad- (a) An exemption notice that is substantially in the dress of the debtor in your records by the end of the 7th form of the notice under s.

812.44 (4) but that omits the business day after receiving this form.

information regarding the total amount of the creditor’s If the $15 fee is tendered with these papers, you are claim.

directed by the court to do the following:

DETERMINE WHETHER YOU WILL (c) The schedules and worksheets adopted under s.

OWE THE DEBTOR EARNINGS 812.34 (3).

S1. ECTION 11.

Determine if you are likely to owe the debtor for (4) If an earnings garnishment takes effect the pay earnings in pay periods beginning within the next 13 period after the debtor is served under s.

812.35 (4) (b), weeks earned on or after the date on which you receive that service is considered the first notice mailed to the this form.

debtor under sub.

(3).

2.

If you are not likely to owe the debtor for earnings SECTION 11.

Sin ECTIONpay periods beginning within the next 13 weeks SECTION 12.

Searned ECTIONon or after the date on which you receive this SECTION 13.

812.42 (2) (b) of the statutes is form, send a statement stating that fact to the creditor by repealed.

Sthe ECTIONend of the 7th business day after receiving the earn- SECTION 14.

812.44 (3) of the statutes is amended toings read:garnishment forms.

-to 2026read: Legislature - 8 - LRB-3019/1 KRP:cdc SENATE BILL 300 S ECTION 14 812.44 (3) The earnings garnishment form issued by the clerk under s.

812.35IF (2)THE shallDEBTOR beSENDS inYOU substantiallyAN theANSWER following812.44 form:(3) The earnings garnishment form issued 3.

STATEWhenever OFyou WISCONSINreceive CIRCUITa COURT:debtor’s answer form by the clerk under s.

812.35 (2) shall be in substantially from the debtor, mail a copy of the answer form to the the following form:

creditor by the end of the 3rd business day after receipt STATE OF WISCONSIN of that form.

Include the date you received the answer CIRCUIT COURT:

County 6form A.B.,on Creditorthe vs.copy sent to the creditor.

File or Reference Number ....

C.D., Debtor EARNINGS and GARNISHMENT E.F., Garnishee THE STATE OF WISCONSIN, To the garnishee:

The creditor has been awarded a court judgment that has not been paid.

As a result, the creditor claims that a total of $....

is owed by the debtor, as follows:

A.

Unpaid balance on judgment $....

B.

Unpaid postjudgment interest $....

C.

Costs of this earnings garnishment (estimated) $....

TOTAL $....

The creditor believes that you will owe the debtor for earnings within the next 13 weeks.

after the date on which you receive this form.

The address last known to the creditor of the debtor is as follows:

Address:

....

If that information is not consistent with your records, notify the creditor in - 2026 Legislature - 9 - LRB-3019/1 KRP:cdc SENATE BILL 300 S ECTION 14 writing of the current address of the debtor in your records by the end of the 7th business day after receiving this form.

If the $15 fee is tendered with these papers, you are directed by the court to do the following:

DETERMINE WHETHER YOU WILL OWE THE DEBTOR EARNINGS 1.

Determine if you are likely to owe the debtor for earnings in pay periods beginning within the next 13 weeks earned on or after the date on which you receive this form.

2.

If you are not likely to owe the debtor for earnings in pay periods beginning within the next 13 weeks earned on or after the date on which you receive this form, send a statement stating that fact to the creditor by the end of the 7th business day after receiving the earnings garnishment forms.

IF THE DEBTOR SENDS YOU AN ANSWER 3.

Whenever you receive a debtor’s answer form from the debtor, mail a copy of the answer form to the creditor by the end of the 3rd business day after receipt of that form.

Include the date you received the answer form on the copy sent to the creditor.

If the debtor’s answer form claims a complete exemptionex- A.B., Creditor emption or defense, do not withhold or pay to the creditorcredi- tor any part of the debtor’s earnings under this garnishmentgarnish- unlessvs. you receive an order of the court directing you to do so.

MULTIPLEment EARNINGSunless GARNISHMENTSyou 5.receive an order of the court directing File or Reference Number ....

If the debtor’s earnings are already being garnisheed when you receiveto thisdo -so. 2026 Legislature - 10 - LRB-3019/1 KRP:cdc SENATE BILL 300 S ECTION 14 earnings garnishment, place this earnings garnishment into effect the pay period after the last of any prior earnings garnishments terminates.

NotifyC.D., theDebtor debtorEARNINGS ofMULTIPLE theEARNINGS amountGARNISHMENTS of the garnishment and notify5. the creditor of the amount owed on the pending garnishments by the end of the 7th business day after you receive these forms.

If therethe debtor’s earnings are noalready priorbeing pendinggar- earningsnisheed garnishmentswhen againstyou thereceive debtor’sthis earnings,earnings garnishment, GARNISHMENT place this earnings garnishment into effect the pay periodpe- E.F., Garnishee riod after youthe receivelast it.of any prior earnings garnishments ter- minates.

EARNINGSNotify GARNISHMENTSthe LASTdebtor 13of WEEKS,the EXCEPTamount FORof PUBLICthe EMPLOYEESgarnish- ANDTHE EXCEPTSTATE FOROF GARNISHMENTSWISCONSIN, TOTo SATISFYthe ANgarnishee: ORDER FOR VICTIM RESTITUTION REMAIN IN EFFECT UNTIL THE JUDGMENT IS SATISFIED 6.

Thement garnishmentand ofnotify the earningscreditor of employeesthe ofamount owed on the stateThe ofcreditor Wisconsinhas andbeen itsawarded politicala subdivisions,court andjudgment athat garnishmentpending togarnishments satisfyby anthe orderend forof victimthe restitution7th underbusiness s.day has not been paid.

973.20As (1r)a forresult, victimthe restitutioncreditor remainsclaims inthat effecta untilafter theyou judgmentreceive isthese satisfied.forms.

TheIf garnishmentthere ofare earningsno ofprior otherpend- employeestotal willof affect$.... the debtor’s earnings for all pay periods beginning within 13 weeks after you receive it, unless the debtor’s earnings are already being garnisheed.

If this earnings garnishment is delayedowed underby paragraph 5, above, it will affect the debtor’sdebtor, earningsas forfollows: all pay periods beginning within 13 weeks after the first day of the pay period that you put this earnings garnishment into effect.

Ifing theearnings amountgarnishments claimedagainst bythe -debtor’s 2026earnings, LegislatureWisconsin Act - 114 - LRB-3019/12025 KRP:cdcSenate SENATEBill BILL 300 Splace ECTIONthis 14earnings thegarnishment creditorinto iseffect fully paid before the endpay ofpe- theTO 13SATISFY weeks,AN thisORDER earningsFOR garnishmentRESTITUTION willriod terminateafter atyou thatreceive point.it.

PAYING9. THE CREDITOR 7.

BetweenThe 5debtor and 10creditor businessmay daysagree afterin eachwriting paydayto ofEARNINGS aGARNISHMENTS payextend period affected by this earnings garnishment,garnishment for additional pay thepe- creditorLAST 20%13 ofWEEKS, theEXCEPT debtor’sriods disposablebeginning within 13 weeks after this earnings forgar- thatFOR payPUBLIC period.EMPLOYEES AND nishment would otherwise terminate.

If you receive a EXCEPT FOR GARNISHMENTS TO written extension stipulation, and an additional gar- SATISFY AN ORDER FOR VICTIM nishee fee for each extension, you must honor it unless a RESTITUTION REMAIN IN EFFECT different garnishment against this debtor’s earnings is UNTIL THE JUDGMENT IS SATISFIED served upon you before the extension takes effect.

In 6.

The garnishment of the earnings of employees of that case, the extension is void and you must return the the state of Wisconsin and its political subdivisions, and extension fee to the party who paid it to you If the earn- a garnishment to satisfy an order for victim restitution ings payable to a debtor who owes restitution under a under s.

973.20 (1r) for victim restitution remains in ef- court order are being garnisheed to satisfy that order for restitution, those restitution payments take priority over fect until the judgment is satisfied.

The garnishment of this earnings garnishment.

If 20% or more of the earnings of other employees will affect the debtor’s earnings for all pay periods beginning within 13 weeks debtor’s disposable earnings is being garnisheed to sat- after you receive it, unless the debtor’s earnings are al- isfy an order for restitution, do not pay any part of the ready being garnisheed.

If this earnings garnishment is debtor’s earnings to the creditor.

Instead, send the cred- itor a statement of that fact by the end of the 7th business delayed under paragraph 5, above, it will affect the day after you receive these forms.

If less than 20% of debtor’s earnings for all pay periods beginning within 13 weeks after the first day of the pay period that you put the debtor’s disposable earnings is being garnisheed to this earnings garnishment into effect.

If the amount satisfy an order for restitution, the amount the creditor claimed by the creditor is fully paid before the end of the must be paid is reduced so that the total of earnings gar- nisheed for restitution and garnisheed under this earn- weeks, this earnings garnishment will terminate at ings garnishment does not exceed 20% of the debtor’s that point.

disposable earnings.

Determine the amount the creditor PAYING THE CREDITOR 7.

Between 5 and 10 business days after each payday must be paid by subtracting from 20% of the debtor’s of a pay period affected by this earnings garnishment, disposable earnings the amount being garnisheed to sat- isfy an order for restitution.

pay the creditor 20% of the debtor’s disposable earnings SECTION 15.

812.44 (4) of the statutes is amended for that pay period.

EFFECTto OFread: COURT-ORDERED ASSIGNMENTS FOR SUPPORT 8.

IfEFFECT theOF debtorCOURT-ORDERED hasASSIGNMENTS assignedFOR hisSUPPORT or812.44 her(4) theThe debtor’snotice earningsof forexemption supportserved byupon courtthe order,8. those support payments take priority over this earnings garnishment and a garnishment to satisfy an order for restitution under s.

973.20If (1r).the debtor has assigned his or her the debtor’s garnishee debtor under s.

If812.35 25%(4) orshall morebe ofin thesubstan- debtor’stially disposable earnings is assigned for support by court order, do not pay any part of the debtor’sfollowing earningsform: to the creditor.

Instead,earnings sendfor thesupport creditorby acourt statementorder, ofthose thatsupport factpay- bySTATE theOF endWISCONSIN ofments thetake 7thpriority businessover daythis afterearnings yougarnishment receiveand thesea forms.CIRCUIT COURT:

If less than 25% of the debtor’s disposable earnings is assigned for support by court order, the amount the creditor must be paid is reduced so that the total of earnings assigned and garnisheed, earnings garnisheed to satisfy an order for restitution under s.

973.20 (1r), and this wage garnishment does not exceed 25% of the debtor’s disposable earnings.

Determine the amount the creditor must be paid by subtracting from 25% of the debtor’s disposable earnings the sum of the amount assigned for support by court order and the amount garnisheed to satisfy an order for restitution, if any.

EXTENSIONS EFFECT OF A GARNISHMENT - 2026 Legislature - 12 - LRB-3019/1 KRP:cdc SENATE BILL 300 S ECTION 14 TO SATISFY AN ORDER FOR RESTITUTION 9.

The debtor and creditor may agree in writing to extend this earnings garnishment for additional pay periods beginning within 13 weeks after this earnings garnishment would otherwise terminate.

If you receive a written extension stipulation, and an additional garnishee fee for each extension, you must honor it unless a different garnishment against this debtor’s earnings is served upon you before the extension takes effect.

In that case, the extension is void and you must return the extension fee to the party who paid it to you If the earnings payable to a debtor who owes restitution under a court order are being garnisheed to satisfy that order for restitution, those restitution payments take priority over this earnings garnishment.

If 20% or more of the debtor’s disposable earnings is being garnisheed to satisfy an order for restitution, do not pay any part of the debtor’s earnings to the creditor.

Instead, send the creditor a statement of that fact by the end of the 7th business day after you receive these forms.

If less than 20% of the debtor’s disposable earnings is being garnisheed to satisfy an order for restitution, the amount the creditor must be paid is reduced so that the total of earnings garnisheed for restitution and garnisheed under this earnings garnishment does not exceed 20% of the debtor’s disposable earnings.

Determine the amount the creditor must be paid by subtracting from 20% of the debtor’s disposable earnings the amount being garnisheed to satisfy an order for restitution.

S ECTION 15.

812.44 (4) of the statutes is amended to read:

812.44 (4) The notice of exemption served upon the garnishee debtor under s.

812.35 (4) shall be in substantially the following form:

- 2026 Legislature - 13 - LRB-3019/1 KRP:cdc SENATE BILL 300 SECTION 15 STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT:

County 4garnishment A.B.,to Creditorsatisfy vs.an order for restitution under s.

File973.20 or(1r). Reference Number ....

C.D.,If Debtor25% EXEMPTIONor NOTICEmore andof EARNINGSthe GARNISHMENTdebtor’s E.F.,disposable Garnisheeearnings Tois theassigned debtor:for support by court order, do not A.B., Creditor vs.

Thepay creditorany waspart awardedof athe judgmentdebtor’s againstearnings youto orthe yourcreditor. spouse by ....

(CountyIn- Circuitstead, orsend Federalthe District)creditor Courta onstatement of that fact by the File or Reference Number ....

end of the 7th business day after you receive these C.D., Debtor forms.

If less than 25% of the debtor’s disposable earn- EXEMPTION NOTICE ings is assigned for support by court order, the amount and EARN- INGS GARNISHMENT the creditor must be paid is reduced so that the total of E.F., Garnishee earnings assigned and garnisheed, earnings garnisheed to satisfy an order for restitution under s.

973.20 (1r), and this wage garnishment does not exceed 25% of the To the debtor:

debtor’s disposable earnings.

Determine the amount the The creditor was awarded a judgment against you or creditor must be paid by subtracting from 25% of the your spouse by ....

(County Circuit or Federal District) debtor’s disposable earnings the sum of the amount as- Court on the ....

That judgment not signed for support by court order and the amount gar- having been fully paid, the creditor has now filed a garnishmentgar- proceedingnisheed againstto yoursatisfy earningsan fromorder thefor garnishee.restitution, if any.

Thisnishment meansproceeding thatagainst the creditor is seeking to take some of your earnings tofrom satisfy part or all of the judgmentgar- againstEXTENSIONS youEFFECT orOF yourA spouse.GARNISHMENT nishee.

TheThis totalmeans amountthat the creditor is seeking to take Senate Bill 300 - 5 - 2025 Wisconsin Act some of your earnings to satisfy part or all of the creditor’sjudg- claiming below the poverty line, the garnishment is aslimited follows:to ment against you or your spouse.

Unpaidthe balanceamount onof judgmentyour $....household’s income in excess of the The total amount of the creditor’s claim is as poverty line.

Unpaidfollows: postjudgment interest $....

Costs:If you qualify for a complete exemption or for a limit Unpaid balance on judgment on the amount of the garnishment to the amount that $....

your household’s income exceeds the poverty line, you Unpaid postjudgment interest must give or mail a copy of the enclosed debtor’s answer $....

form to the garnishee in order to receive that increased Costs:

exemption.

Garnishment filing fee If your circumstances change while the garnishment $....

is in effect, you may file a new answer at any time.

Garnishee fee If you do not qualify for a complete exemption, but $....

you will not be able to acquire the necessities of life for c.

yourself and your dependents if your earnings are re- duced by this earnings garnishment, you may ask the TOTAL court in which this earnings garnishment was filed to in- $....

-crease 2026your Legislatureexemption -or 14grant - LRB-3019/1 KRP:cdc SENATE BILL 300 S ECTION 15 By law, you areother entitledrelief. to an exemption of not less than 80% of your disposable earnings.

YourBy “disposablelaw, earnings”you are thoseentitled remainingto afteran socialexemption securityof andnot federalless andthan state80% incomeof taxesyour aredisposable withheld.earnings.

Your “disposable IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE earnings” are those remaining after social security and CONSULT AN ATTORNEY If you have earnings that are completelybeing exemptgarnisheed fromthat garnishmentfederal if:and state income taxes are withheld.

are exempt or subject to a defense, the sooner you file Your earnings are completely exempt from garnish- your answer or seek relief from the court, the sooner ment if:

Your household income is below the federal povertysuch level.relief can be provided.

SeeThis theearnings enclosedgarnishment schedulespoverty andlevel. worksheet to determine if you qualify for this exemption.

2.See the enclosed schedules and worksheet affects your earnings in pay periods beginning within 13 to determine if you qualify for this exemption.

Youweeks receiveafter aidit towas familiesserved withon dependentthe children,garnishee. relief funded by a relief block grant under ch.

49,You reliefmay providedagree byin countieswriting underwith sectionthe s.creditor to extend it for addi- 2.

59.53You (21)receive ofaid theto Wisconsinfamilies Statutes,with medicaldependent assistance,chil- supplementaldren, securityrelief income,funded foodby stamps,a orrelief veteransblock benefitsgrant based on need under 38ch. USC 1501 to 1562 or section 45.351 (1) of the Wisconsin Statutes, or have received these benefits within the past 6 months.

49, tional 13-week periods until the debt is paid.

relief provided by counties under section s.

59.53 (21) of PENALTIES the Wisconsin Statutes, medical assistance, supplemen- If you wrongly claim an exemption or defense in bad tal security income, food stamps, or veterans benefits faith, or if the creditor wrongly objects to your claim in bad faith, the court may order the person who acted in based on need under 38 USC 1501 to 1562 or section 45.351 (1) of the Wisconsin Statutes, or have received bad faith to pay court costs, actual damages, and reason- these benefits within the past 6 months.

able attorney fees.

At least 25% of your disposable earnings are assignedas- bySECTION court16. order for support.

If the garnishment of 20% of your disposable income would result in the income of your household being below the poverty line, the garnishment is limited to the amount of your household’s income in excess of the poverty line.

If you qualify for a complete exemption or for a limit on the amount of the garnishment to the amount that your household’s income exceeds the poverty line, you must give or mail a copy of the enclosed debtor’s answer form to the garnishee in order to receive that increased exemption.

If your circumstances change while the garnishment is in effect, you may file a new answer at any time.

- 2026 Legislature - 15 - LRB-3019/1 KRP:cdc SENATE BILL 300 S ECTION 15 If you do not qualify for a complete exemption, but you will not be able to acquire the necessities of life for yourself and your dependents if your earnings are reduced by this earnings garnishment, you may ask the court in which this earnings garnishment was filed to increase your exemption or grant you other relief.

IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE CONSULT AN ATTORNEY If you have earnings that are being garnisheed that are exempt or subject to a defense, the sooner you file your answer or seek relief from the court, the sooner such relief can be provided.

This earnings garnishment affects your earnings in pay periods beginning within 13 weeks after it was served on the garnishee.

You may agree in writing with the creditor to extend it for additional 13-week periods until the debt is paid.

PENALTIES If you wrongly claim an exemption or defense in bad faith, or if the creditor wrongly objects to your claim in bad faith, the court may order the person who acted in bad faith to pay court costs, actual damages, and reasonable attorney fees.

S ECTION 16.

(1)signed Thisby actcourt firstorder appliesfor tosupport. an earnings garnishment proceeding commenced on the effective date of this subsection.

(END)(1) This act first applies to an earnings garnishment If the garnishment of 20% of your disposable in- proceeding commenced on the effective date of this come would result in the income of your household be- subsection.