Bill > AB774

This bill modifies several aspects of California's civil procedure related to judgment enforcement, with key provisions including changes to how judgment creditors verify a debtor's address, reinstate released liens, and handle wage garnishment. Specifically, the bill expands acceptable methods of address verification for judgment creditors, allowing first-class mail and certified mail as valid verification techniques, and extends the filing deadline for address verification declarations from 5 to 10 business days. The bill introduces new procedures for judgment creditors to reinstate released liens on both real and personal property, requiring a detailed declaration and providing a mechanism for the debtor to object. For wage garnishment, the bill removes the requirement that employers serve earnings withholding orders directly on employees and requires employers to document how and when they provided the order to employees. The bill also clarifies that filing an ex parte application does not constitute a general appearance in court and allows claimants to file exemption claims more flexibly in cases of personal debt. Notably, the provisions related to lien reinstatement will become operative on July 1, 2026, and the bill includes a civil penalty of up to $1,500 for knowingly providing false information in reinstatement declarations.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB774