Bill > SB31

This bill modifies Maryland's laws regarding wage attachment (the legal process of withholding an employee's earnings to pay a debt) by changing the exemption calculations and notification requirements. Specifically, the bill replaces the previous exemption standard of 75% of disposable wages or 30 times the state minimum wage with a new standard that protects 150% of the federal poverty level for weekly income, based on the size of the judgment debtor's household. The bill also requires employers served with a wage attachment to notify the employee in writing about the exempt wage amount, calculation method, and procedures for contesting the attachment. Additionally, the bill explicitly includes social security, disability, and unemployment benefits in the wage exemption calculation. When multiple attachments are served for the same employee, they will continue to be satisfied in the order received. The changes are set to take effect on July 1, 2025, providing employers and employees time to prepare for the new wage attachment rules.

Budget and Finance

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0031?ys=2025RS